Crystal Healing

In the most general terms, Crystal Healing may be defined as "the use of crystals to stimulate the self-healing mechanisms of the mind, body and spirit". It has some similarities with other therapies that include the use of crystals, such as Crystal Reiki.

History of Crystal Healing

It is not known exactly when crystals were first used for healing purposes but texts claim that they were used far into antiquity.

What does a Crystal Healing Treatment involve?

As in the case of many therapies, there is no fixed format that is common to all practitioners. The following is a description of a general format likely to be typical:

Prior to the Treatment

The practitioner may begin by explaining any terms to the client, then conducting a brief consultation. Reasons for the consultation may include:

• For the client and practitioner to introduce themselves to each other, especially to ensure that the client feels at ease in what may be unfamiliar surroundings;
• For the practitioner to understand the client's expectations of the treatment, to clarify any issues that the client wishes to raise and to ensure that the client knows what will happen next - e.g. that he/she may relax and enjoy the treatment but no specific outcomes can be promised.
• The practitioner may ask about the client's reasons for requesting the treatment and about his/her general health (so that if the client requires - or may require - the practitioner to take any specific actions or be aware of any possible eventualities then this is known).
• If the practitioner suggests use of a treatment couch - as opposed to an appropriately clean and comfortable pad on the floor - then he/she may check that the client is able to get onto and off the couch safely and comfortably.

The above are also true of other therapies, some of which also require more detailed medical histories from clients. If for any reason the practitioner considers that he or she is not an appropriate person to offer a crystal healing treatment to that particular client that day then he or she should say so. Similarly, if the practitioner considers that crystal healing is not appropriate for that person at that time then he/she should also say so and not proceed to the treatment.

The Crystal Healing Treatment itself

The actual treatment may take the form of the therapist first ensuring that the client is comfortable and able to relax (perhaps playing gentle music and/or burning incense to facilitate relaxation). The therapist may then lay an arrangement of crystals around and possibly on the client. As the treatment progresses these crystals may be moved. Treatments may also involve energy or chakra balancing, perhaps involving dowsing pendulums and / or relying the therapists intuition. Most practitioners welcome client questions about what will happen during a treatment.

After the Treatment

After the treatment itself many practitioners allow their clients to rest (and realise that the treatment has ceased) for a few minutes before gently checking that the client is awake and offering him or her a glass of water to drink.

Textbooks and other Sources of Reading

There are many books available for those wishing to learn more about crystals, and/or to become trained crystal healers. An excellent place to start is the "Mind, Body & Spirit", or "Holistic" sections of most major bookshops, which usually include a selection of texts - including non-technical books for those who only wish to share an enjoyable skill with their partner and/or friends and family.

Some examples of good books about crystals and minerals in general include:

• Melody, "Love is in the Earth; A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" Earth-Love Publishing House, Wheat Ridge, Colorado (USA), 1995.
• Robert Simmons, "Stones of the New Consciousness: Healing, Awakening and Co-Creating with Crystals, Minerals and Gems" North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, U.S.A., 2010.
• and for more scientifically-inclined students ...
  W. S. MacKenzie & A. E. Adams,"Rocks and Minerals in Thin Section (A Colour Atlas)" , Manson Publishing, London, 1994.

Examples of crystal healing books include:

• Judy Hall, "Crystal Prescriptions: The A-Z guide to over 1,200 symptoms and their healing crystals", O Books, Reprinted 2005.
• Ewald Klieger, "Crystal Wands: For Healing, Massage Therapy and Reflexology", Findhorn Press, Forres Scotland, 2009.
• Martin J. Scott & Gael Mariani, "Crystal Healing for Animals", Findhorn Press, Forres Scotland, 2002.

For more books see Crystal Healing books, Colour Healing books and Faith Healing books.

Further Information about Crystal Healing

Introductory crystal and crystal healing courses are available from many local colleges. For a personal introduction to this subject and to meet like-minded people who have similar interests, find out what is available in your area.