Healing with Crystals: Is There Any Proof It Works?
by www.SixWise.com
Crystals have been used as a source of healing and inspiration
in just about every ancient culture, from the Egyptians to
the Chinese and Native Americans.
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Crystals are said to emit energy fields that can alter
your physical and mental well-being.
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Back then, these natural gemstones that arose from the earth's
crust were used in ceremonies, and for decoration, protection
and guidance. Today, crystal "healers" still swear
by crystals' ability to protect and balance the human body
-- but is there any evidence that they really work?
The Case for Crystals
Crystal healers say that crystals contain an inherent life
force, or pranna, as do all things on earth, including the
human body. If the energy fields in your body become blocked
for some reason -- due to emotional stress or environmental
factors, for instance -- disease can occur. Crystals, however,
help to eliminate blocks from your energy fields and provide
balance to your body.
Specifically, crystals are often said to be connected to
the seven main charkas, or energy centers, of the human body.
Each chakra controls a certain gland in your body, which in
turn controls certain organs. Chakras also have a color, and
using a similarly colored crystal may help to balance out
the corresponding chakra, improving physical and mental health.
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What are Different Crystals Used
For?
According to crystal healers, you can't go wrong when
choosing a crystal because the one you need most will
naturally appeal to you. Still, certain crystals are
known for different uses, and here's a list of some
common varieties.
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Amethyst: Helps arthritis, hearing and bones, increases
spiritual awareness.
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Citrine: Helps digestion, increases self-esteem.
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Diamond: Increases personal clarity, balances metabolism,
detoxifies your body.
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Onyx: Helps repair cell damage.
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Peridot: Strengthens all organs and protects the
user from negativity.
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Turquoise: Strengthens the mind and body.
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Opal: Helps you see new possibilities.
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Rose quartz: Calming and balancing, beneficial
for love.
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Garnet: Increases courage, sexual energy and enthusiasm.
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"The beauty of crystals and gemstones alike is that
each and every one, depending on its molecular structure,
will send out a constant and stable current or message,"
says crystal healing therapist and
reiki practitioner Markus van derWesthuizen in Health
24.
"If you understand the concept that everything in our
physical and non-physical world is made up of continuously
vibrating atoms, then this concept can also be applied to
how crystals work. When you hold or wear a crystal, the unique
message from it is emanated into your body, passing the message
from cell to cell -- and this is where the healing takes place,"
he continues.
Is There Scientific Proof?
Much of the "proof" behind crystal healing comes
from anecdotal reports, which for many believers is good enough
for them.
However, one study by Dr. Christopher French at Goldsmiths
College, London found that crystal powers may all be in the
mind.
He asked 80 volunteers to meditate while holding either a
real or a fake crystal. All of the volunteers reported at
least moderate effects, such as improvement in well-being,
relaxation, an increased level of consciousness, and increased
concentration -- whether they held a fake or a real crystal.
"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,"
Dr. French said.
So do they work?
In terms of a placebo effect, according to science, yes.
"Clearly, there is an effect here -- people did react
to having a crystal in their hand, whether it was real or
not," said Dr. Chris Wiseman of Hertfordshire University
who co-authored the study.
In short, if you believe that a crystal will benefit you,
it just might.
Recommended Reading
What
is Reiki? The Benefits, Method and Background of This Universal
Life Energy Technique Explained
Does
Chicken Soup Have Healing Powers?
Sources
RickRoss.com
Health24.com