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Crystal therapy has an ancient and honourable lineage and its use has been recorded in numerous cultures over many millennia. Present day practices are simply a continuation of that worthy heritage, with the added advantages of greater scientific and technological information, a clearer understanding of the human body and a renewed appreciation of the subtle energy systems such as the aura, chakras and meridians.
Crystals are pure forms of minerals which are the building blocks of rocks. They form under the very high pressures and temperatures found during rock formation and separate out during cooling or the dissipation of supersaturated steam. They are composed of lattices of atomic elements, which form any one of 7 recognised crystalline 'shapes' depending on the types of element(s) involved. Given enough space all minerals will form crystals: however, where there are a large number of elements present the combinations form rock such as granite (a combination of, amongst others, feldspar, quartz, biotite and muscovite).
Like water always finding the lowest level, crystals will always form the most stable and symmetrical structure given the situation in which they find themselves. Where growing space is available during development, this leads to large and magnificent crystalline structures, such as the Oppenheimer Diamond which at 253.7 carats is one of the largest uncut diamonds known to exist, or the Burma Ruby at 21,450-carats. Other growths will reflect the space in which the crystals find themselves, hence the vast variety of druses, caves, points, clusters, which are available. Crystals are also found in 'massive' form - this is where amorphous sheets of crystalline deposits are found producing 'chunks', familiar in rose quartz and amethyst, for example.
Crystalline development is not a fast process - it can take thousands, millions or billions of years to create crystalline structures and then perhaps another 2 or 3 billion for the land to erode and the crystals to be discovered. Crystals are thus extraordinarily ancient and formed in the most extreme planetary conditions - superheated, under enormous pressure, and often many miles into the planet's mantle where solid rock meets the liquid. It is often said that humans are a reflection of their environment – could the same be true of crystals?
There are a number of theories as to why crystal therapy can be effective, ranging from the ’scientific’ to the weirdest of New Age wacky. Peggy Jentoft, (Solar Raven) used to have a very good article on her website which listed the various theories:
Crystal therapy as ‘magic’ is possibly the least helpful of suggestions!
More appealing as explanations are the notions of piezoelectricity and structural stability.
This is the ability of certain crystals to generate variable amounts of electricity in response to applied mechanical stress (pressure). The effect is tiny, in the order of nanometres, but has still found many uses in industry. The application of pressure distorts the symmetrical atomic distribution (and consequent electrical neutrality) leading to the creation of the charge. Crystal therapists can tap into this potential for change to serve as an energy conductor and amplifier of healing energies.
Complimentary to the notion of piezoelectricity is the fact that many of the physical body’s own underlying structures are also crystalline formations: RNA, DNA, bone (osteoclasts), cell membranes, blood cells: the list goes on. In all of these, the ultimate expression of their fundamental organisation is crystalline, with the concomitant potential for energy amplification and conduction.
In times of stress when our energies are fluctuating and unreliable, we are drawn to those who can give us comfort by their strength, calmness and ability to help us think more clearly. This can apply not just to people (mums, dads, siblings, friends, etc) but also to animals, rooms, gardens, landscapes - for each of us there is someone or something we are drawn to at times of crisis. For some people, crystals can do the same thing: their inherent structural stability provides an oasis of serenity where the chaos of emotions can ease and calm return. Indeed it may well be that this sense of stability comes not just from their structural organisation but also from the immensity of their age and the circumstances in which they are created: the timeline of a human life is ephemeral to that of crystals which appear enduring and unchanging in comparison – just what is needed in difficult moments.
There are of course a number of other interesting theories and speculations: numerology and sacred geometry are based on the underlying crystalline structure, also how the crystals are placed around the body during a healing session: both of these have some evidence in their favour. Colour therapy is another increasingly well-researched area with documented evidence of effectiveness. The doctrine of signatures, the mainstay of all homeopathy and some herbalism should also be considered.
Evidence channelled from trans-dimensional sources should not be summarily discounted, but are considerably more difficult to verify or rationalise – even the Pleidians (sic) would recognise our very human limitations on that front!
Crystal therapy is considered to be at the wacky end of the complimentary therapy spectrum, classified as ‘3b’ by the House of Lords’ 6th Science and Technology Report (Nov 2000) – ‘Many CAM therapies are based on theories about their modes of action that are not congruent with current scientific knowledge’ (see Links page). There is very little research into crystal therapy: as a consequence it is very easy to discredit despite centuries of anecdotal and subjective evidence of its effects. Yet people continue to be drawn to and helped by crystal therapy, not just on the level of everyday stresses and strains but also to address more deep seated issues which may be preventing an individual from achieving their full potential. Crystal therapy is gentle, non-invasive, non-intrusive, and simply requires the client to rest and relax while the crystals do their work.
Crystal therapists work in a variety of ways: using crystal placements on the body or in ‘grids’ or ‘nets’ around the body, or by using guided visualisations/meditations on particular crystals. There is no one right way in which to work and clients will be drawn to those therapists who will use the methods they need at that time. However, as for all complimentary therapies, the crystal therapist needs to be able to adequately ground and centre and work from the highest of intentions so that the client receives the best care possible.
As with all therapeutic treatments, clients are advised to drink plenty of water afterwards, and to take it easy in the immediate post-treatment period. Grounding and centering exercises may be suggested as energywork therapies can occasionally lead to a temporary sense of ungroundedness, especially for those for whom this is already an issue. Your therapist will advise accordingly.