Gems
Gemstones, found in the Earth, are mineral crystals, rocks, or organic matter. Some are hard, and some are soft, some precious and some common, appearing in a range of colours and patterns. Examples include: emerald, sapphire, tourmaline, carnelian, malachite, rose quartz, obsidian, ruby, jasper, amethyst, and lapis lazuli.
Healing
Gemstones have been used for ornamental purposes since they were first found in ancient times – particularly in jewellery. They were also used in spiritual practices, and also for healing.
There are hundreds of different gemstones, although there are a more common ones that are typically associated with healing benefits – for personal healing and for clearing negative energies from spaces (rooms, buildings, homes, and offices).
Gemstone healing, or crystal healing, despite a thousand years or so of use, is often regarded with skepticism. How can an old stone help someone feel better? It just doesn’t make sense to many people.
GEMSTONE RESEARCH
American-born Marcel Joseph Vogel (1917-1991), a research scientist, conducted a range of studies on crystal quartz, luminescence, and magnetics. His first publication in 1943 was Luminescence in Liquids and Solids and Their Practical Application in collaboration with Peter Pringsheim at the Chicago University in America. The research led to further studies on health-promoting life-force energy in the form of negative ions. This also included research into the power of geometric shapes. Vogel wrote, ‘The crystal is a neutral object whose inner structure exhibits a crystalline state of perfection and balance. When it is precisely cut to the proper geometric form and when the human mind enters into relationship with its structural perfection in the vibration of love, the crystal emits a vibration which extends and amplifies the power and grasp of the user’s mind. Imaged thought intent is amplified.’
Michael Gienger (1964-2014) followed-up on some of the crystal research and also proved that crystals do indeed have a healing effect on humans, most notably on their energy field. Every living thing on Earth has an energy field and the studies sought to explore how the energy of humans is affected by the Earth’s minerals. His research began with self-healing, which inspired him to do further work on shamanic alternative healing practices. He wrote several books on the healing nature of crystals, including The Healing Crystal First Aid Manual (2012) which listed more than 100 medical conditions and the correct healing gemstone to improve the symptoms.
Best-selling author Japanese Masaru Emoto (1943-2014) also conducted experiments on water and ice crystals – particularly snowflakes and their natural geometric structure. He was the first to note that no two snowflakes are the same. He discovered that the vibrations of words, sounds, and frequencies have a direct effect on the geometric structure of water crystals. In other words, he found that happy, joyous music has positive effects on the geometric formation of water crystals and sad music or heavy vibrational music has a negative effect. He extended his experiments to humans – human thought, prayer, and intent, which produced the same results. This research is still controversial, and many people are not convinced of any healing benefits.
Many people just try them to see what happens when they wear crystals, or have them nearby, and they share their experiences. For example, if you have gemstones on your desk, you can conduct your own self-assessment on whether they work for you or not.
GEMSTONE PRACTICE
Gemstones do not have to be ON the body to have healing benefits. They can be near the body – in a pocket, a handbag, purse, on your study or work desk, etc. Some people hold them in the palm of their hand; some people put them onto the part of the body that needs healing; some people carry them in their bag; and some people put them under their pillow at night.
So, there is no special technique for using gemstones and crystals. You just need to ask the seller, or research online, to determine which gemstone is most useful for healing the physical or emotional condition that you want to treat – physical, emotional, or spiritual.
Examples for using gemstones are provided in my FREE Guide to Gemstone Healing.
GEMSTONE SIMILARITIES
Recently, there have been studies on crystal healing that show that the positive benefits may just be a placebo effect. A placebo effect is when a person believes that the crystal will help and heal their condition, even though there is no scientific proof.
Christopher French, head of the anomalistic psychology research unit at the University of London, conducted research in 2000 and 2001 with 80 participants. He asked the participants to meditate for five minutes and note their own feelings – 40 of them held a real quartz crystal and 40 of them held a fake quartz crystal (but they did not know it was fake). After their meditation, Christopher French asked them questions. He found no difference between the two groups. The participants from both groups reported a warm sensation while holding the crystal and they reported a feeling of overall wellbeing. However, he did notice that those who believed in the power of crystals were twice as likely as non-believers to report positive effects.
GEMSTONE NEGATIVES
Most gemstones are safe to wear and to have near the body. However, some contain heavy metals or radioactive elements that could be harmful if they are kept close to the body for long periods of time. Most people only use the common gemstones sold in stores or online. However, as a precaution, don’t put any gemstone in your mouth.
There are many scammers who tell people that they will only be healed if they buy a crystal. This is not the case and people should be aware of scammers – online and in-person. People should not stop visiting their own regular medical practitioner. If you have a medical condition, then gemstone/crystal therapy, and its use, should be used at the same time as medical treatment from your practitioner. Also, many gemstones are not expensive, so research the costs before you buy them to ensure that you are not paying too much.
GEMSTONE CAVEAT
Gemstone and crystal therapy and activities do not necessarily address core issues.
QUOTES
“The aspirant of the night is alone, the work merely a bubbly tale; a journeyman funnelling ideas into gemstones.” – James Emlund
“Maybe one day, after centuries, we can become brilliant gems in crystal caves and we will be immortal after all.” – Keelie Breanna
“Crystals are like friends. They are beautiful to look at, great to meditate and relax with, and are soothing and comforting. Just like an old friend.” – Andrew Pacholyk, Lead Us To A Place: Your Spiritual Journey Through Life’s Seasons
TESTIMONIALS
DISCLAIMER: This website’s author does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician or psychologist, either directly or indirectly. Therefore, information provided here is not intended to replace readers’ existing or other medical, psychological, financial, or legal advice. The author’s intent is to offer general information to help readers in their quest for emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing, guidance towards self-empowerment, and/or for entertainment purposes only. Rainy Day Healing and Martina Nicolls shall not be held accountable for any loss which may arise from any readers’ reliance and implementation of any information provided. For information on courses and personal consultations, see TERMS AND CONDITIONS.