Crystal clear: Your guide to understanding the healing potential of these pretty rocks
Keep an open mind
Nana Patekar’s ‘Control, Uday, control’ from Welcome was so iconic, it achieved instant meme status. Little did the young me laughing in the cineplex know that I would soon find myself in a similar predicament. Only, nobody would dare tell the don to “wear a pearl gemstone on your pinky finger” and indulge in crystal healing to manage his anger management issues unless they wanted to be swatted like a macchar on a summer evening.
Crystals are loaded with spiritual significance pertaining to deities, planets, and days of the week, according to the fifth-century Hindu scripture Ratnapariksa. Even the Egyptians created crystal sarcophagi to shield their bodies from bad spirits on their route to the afterlife.
“Archaeological finds show that amber was in use for protection and wellbeing as far back as 10,000 years ago in the UK,” says Jude Polack, founder and director of bewater, a company that sells crystal-infused water bottles. “Records from Ancient Sumer show that crystals were used for prosperity and health.”
Not that it ever died away, but interest in the healing powers of gemstones and crystals has boomed all over the world during the COVID-19 epidemic. Over the last year, Google statistics show a steady increase in searches for “crystal healing,” including “crystal healing stores near me.”
When you turn to celebrity support, you’ll find that Hollywood A-listers, too, are deploying gems for everything from finding love to increasing positive energy. Katy Perry carries rose quartz for love, Adele swears by these healing stones to decrease performance anxiety and even Posh Spice aka Victoria Beckham who won’t open a show without her crystals.
Indians are also flocking to astrologers, tarot card readers, and religious healers. This begs the question that I know must be knocking at the door of your cynical minds. Does it really work?
Stuart Vyse, behavioural scientist and author of Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition, says, “There is no evidence that there’s a mechanism by which [crystals] could heal that’s understood by science. It doesn’t make logical sense from a scientific viewpoint.” He argues that the surge in crystal interest is due to a desire to believe that crystals have special powers.
But many who practice crystal healing believe otherwise. Humans are only able to see a limited number of colours and hear noise in a particular band of frequencies, but that doesn’t change the fact that there exist many colours and sounds beyond that spectrum, argues Abhijita Kulshrestha, astro-gemologist and director at Gemstoneuniverse.
Crystals are said to interact with the body’s energy fields, also known as vibrational energy, according to most practitioners. “Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be transformed,” says Kulshrestha. With their distinct energetic frequencies, crystals are said to be able to redirect and re-channel energy flow, assisting in the unblocking of “stuck” parts of the body or energy field.
Unsurprisingly, just a few traditional investigations into crystal healing have been conducted. And according to one study from 2001, the potency of these minerals is “in the eye of the beholder.”
“If people believe that a treatment will make them feel better, many of them do feel better after they have had the treatment, even if it is known to be therapeutically worthless,” says Christopher French, a professor of psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London. Although it seems to have a bad rap, the power of the placebo effect has been recorded in many studies.
The bottom line, as Suzanne Monroe, founder of The International Association of Wellness Professionals, says, embrace crystal healing as an addition to your arsenal, rather than making them the hero.
Crystal healing: 7 stones that might improve your vibe
Yellow Sapphire This vivid stone exudes happiness, love, and radiance and is considered an essential part of crystal healing, according to various healers. Practitioners say that it helps to improve the financial status of the wearer as well as bring peace and prosperity to their household. This is where the yellow sapphire ring by Sneha Rateria comes in. The cubic statement ring has a gold polish finishing, hence making it a sunny addition to your ethnic wardrobe this festive season. Amethyst According to Polack, Leonardo da Vinci reportedly kept an amethyst crystal on his desk, for they “dispel evil thoughts and speed up thinking.” Heather Askinosie, a co-founder of Energy Muse, an e-commerce crystal platform, says amethyst provides soothing vibrations whether you’re seeking refuge from a hectic day or aid in going to sleep. “Place it in your bedroom for its soothing effect”, she adds. If your candle-hoarding abilities surpass even ours, Tweak’s new amethyst-studded candle Mojave will fit the bill for you. This seductive beauty will fill your bedroom with its top notes of jasmine and mandarin, underpinned by sandalwood and vanilla.
Carnelian Kulsreshtha recommends using carnelian for your root chakra while practising crystal healing. The root chakra, also known as Muladhara, is positioned at the base of the spine and is the first of seven chakras. Its associated hue is red, which explains why it is connected with the red stone. Carnelian is a stone signifying hope and vitality. It promises that with its guidance, you will be able to express yourself to your full potential. Being a communication stone, it encourage eloquence and clarity, as well as assists shy communicators in becoming more confident. The first evidence of carnelian dates back to 4000 BCE in Mehrgarh, an Early Harappan site in modern-day Pakistan. According to writer Jaya Saxena in a Vox piece, the Prophet Mohammed was reported to have worn a carnelian set in silver on his right hand to bring him luck and ward off jealousy. VeUniq crafted this fiery red beauty using authentic semi-precious Carnelian chips woven with copper wire, a hardwood base, and resin trunk and branches. It can be utilised as an art deco display or as a present for loved ones who enjoy meditation. Ruby Due to the stone’s resemblance to blood, many ancient societies thought rubies possessed the energy of life. Among European royalty and the upper classes, rubies were presumed to bring wellness, fortune, and knowledge. Sure, you can’t really go back in time and offer rubies to god Krishna to be reborn as emperors, like many Hindu scriptures say, so why not use them as a fashion statement this festive season? This ruby pendant by Hiara Jewels is the perfect option for that. Outlined with zirconic crystals, it is designed to instantly glam up your ethnic outfit. Moonstone Kulshrestha recommends moonstone for women. “Women who have reproductive health issues and problems in their menstrual cycles should wear moonstone,” she says. According to Candice Covington, author of Essential Oils in Spiritual Practice, moonstone has “the rare gift of bringing what one needs versus what one wants.” “It also helps us develop a profound emotional intelligence, a relationship with the deep unconscious, and a connection to the energy of the divine feminine,” she says. This moonstone necklace by Amrutam Jewelry boasts a distinct, raw, and earthy aesthetic because of its uncut, untreated, and unpolished finish. Turquoise Many of us would associate this gemstone with Salman Khan for his famous turquoise bracelet. The opaque, blue-green gemstone is also associated with the throat chakra. The throat chakra, according to practitioners, is the centre of communication, emotion, and creativity. Turquoise is hence known to improve your ability to be truthful and express yourself. “Wearing turquoise protects from the evil eye,” says Kulshrestha. She adds that the best turquoise comes from Iran. This 9.19 carat Iranian turquoise by Shubh Gems is the standard blue, with flecks of gold in it, and is perfect for meditation purposes. You can also get it set in a ring, pendant, or bracelet of your choice. Jade Kulshrestha attributes jade as the gemstone that is considered to be helpful for cardiac issues. Nitin Yadav, CEO at Gempundit, says that jade is considered to possess cleansing energies that can eliminate negativity from the wearer’s body and surroundings. This 14.93 carat jade by Shubh Gems can be set in a ring, pendant, or bracelet of your choice and be worn for better health. |
Note: Crystals should never replace medical care for any condition. Please consult with the a credible medical expert before indulging in any alternative therapy.