Crystals and gemstones have been used for thousands of years in the belief that they ward off illness and negative energy – and recently, this hypothesis is having a resurgence. Google searches for “crystal healing” have almost doubled in the past few years, fuelled by endorsements from high-profile celebrities including singer Adele, who uses it to help with stage fright, and Victoria Beckham, who has introduced her Instagram followers to her crystal collection.
It’s a trend that’s being reflected in the sales of crystals. Says Victoria Caron from Crystal Universe in Melbourne, “The demand for their presence in beauty tools, decorator pieces and in building stone is rising.”
Dr Nikki Stamp: “If people forgo proven treatments in favour of crystals, that is potentially problematic and harmful.”Credit:Stocksy
But it’s the role crystals play within the health industry that has the most people talking. “My client had eczema on her hand,” says spiritual entrepreneur Rachael White, a supporter of the power of crystal healing. “After she applied archangel aromatherapy with a clear quartz crystal, it stopped her itching.” Asked to explain more clearly how it works, she says, “The crystal is amplifying, directing and reorganising to shift the energy completely for healing.”
Not sure what that means? Reiki practitioner Anne-Marie Bell offers this explanation: “The crystals interact with the body’s energy field with the chakras. The strength of a certain crystal’s energy can raise a person’s vibration and mood, but it also depends on the type of crystal. They all have different energy frequencies.”
As with many natural therapies, questions have been raised about whether crystal healing really works. In a 2001 study, psychologist Dr Christopher French from London’s Goldsmith’s College tested its effects. He gave half a sample group of 80 volunteers genuine crystals, while the other half were handed fake crystals. They were then asked to meditate and report on any sensations experienced.
The results showed that there was no difference in feelings from both types of crystals. French concluded that “the power of suggestion, either explicit or implicit, seems to be the not-so-mysterious power that may convince many that crystals have the potential to work miracles”.
Soil scientist Dr Karen Smith agrees. “Crystals make people feel good and give them a psychological boost,” she says. “I enjoy my jewellery enormously, but I don’t believe it has healing powers.”
So is the use of crystals for healing dangerous? Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Nikki Stamp doesn’t think so.
“As long as that use of crystals doesn’t attempt to replace actual treatment, it’s not unsafe,” she says, before adding a warning: “If people forgo proven treatments in favour of crystals, that is potentially problematic and harmful.”
Even crystal-healing therapist Emily Smars doubts crystals can cure serious medical conditions such as cancer. “You still need to see a doctor for major issues,” she says. “But with emotional wellbeing, crystals are big helpers.”
There are also stories of crystals having a negative impact, such as that experienced by Dr Brooklyn Storme, a psychologist. “Initially, I was wearing a piece of crystal called Moldavite, and I became quite unwell, but nothing was found,” she recalls.
“It was a discussion with a friend that led to my realisation of the possibility that my ailments may
have been due to the crystal. After removing it, within a few hours I was back to my usual self. Although there is no scientific evidence to support the effects of crystals, I still can’t deny this experience from the Moldavite.”
But regardless of whether crystals harness the placebo effect – for better or for worse – they can be a useful tool to help you tune in to your body and feel connected to something bigger than yourself. Just ask Adele before she steps on stage.
This article appears in Sunday Life magazine within the Sun-Herald and the Sunday Age on sale February 23.
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