A Beginner's Guide to Healing Crystals

According to Hindu spirituality, cosmic energy ebbs and flows through our bodies, the molecules in space, and tangible objects in the universe. Some of those objects include crystals, whose healing, balancing, and restorative energies have been harnessed in cultures around the world for over 6,000 years. If you’ve ever felt like your chakras need aligning, or that your inner energy is in need of a tune-up, crystals might be a good place to start.

Crystals are placed on different parts of the body to promote healing in those areas. Proponents of crystal healing argue that crystals, like our bodies, emit energetic vibrations, and that these vibrations can actually draw negative, disease-ridden energy from the body and replace it with positive, cleansing energy. While there’s no scientific evidence that this is true, crystal healing has played a role in medicinal practice for centuries and continues to provide positive effects for modern practitioners. It’s believed the practice began among the ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia. Ancient Egyptians also were some of the first people to use crystals to promote healing.

Modern crystal healing concepts stem from Asia, most notably the Chinese concept of life energy (also known as the chi or qi), and the Hindu and Buddhist concept of chakras (spinning discs of energy and light in various points in the human body). Crystals are placed on the chakras to harness and balance their energy.

You can find certified crystal practitioners for a professional energy tune-up. Or, you can pick up a few crystals for at-home use when you feel your chakras need some aligning. Here are some of the most popular crystals that promote healing, bodily harmony, and balance:

1. Amethyst

Amethyst is a subtle purple stone that bestows stability, strength, and inner peace to its possessor. Its protective energies help clear, open, and balance the Crown Chakra, the gateway to the energy of the Universe, making this a powerful stone for meditation and enhancing psychic abilities. Amethyst is even known to cure hangovers, tackle insomnia, reduce stress, and ease headaches.

2. Rose quartz

Rose quartz is also known as the “love crystal,” thanks to its ability to attract and retain love. This lovely pink crystal balances the Heart Chakra, the wellspring of love and compassion, and aids in the recovery from heartbreak and disappointment.

3. Quartz crystal

Quartz symbolizes purity and awareness. It is said to stimulate your brain, making you feel more alert and intuitive. This crystal is a fantastic resource if you’re feeling both mentally and physically exhausted.

4. Citrine

Citrine exudes warm, optimistic energy that promotes creativity and imagination. It encourages confidence and symbolizes both light and joy, so it’s definitely a good crystal to keep around in cold, dark winter months. Thanks to its reputation as a bringer of luck and wealth, citrine is also known as the Merchant’s Stone.

5. Hematite

This crystal possesses grounding and balancing properties. It’s often used to counter anxiety and stress, clearing any negative energy from the mind.

6. Selenite

Selenite is known for its ability to unblock any flows of energy that might be stuck or stagnant. It’s used to shield the existing energy of the body or home from negative energy threatening to enter.

7. Tiger’s Eye

This aptly-named crystal is a brownish-bronze, complete with black stripes, and is known to bring confidence, strength, courage, and protection to its possessors. It helps clear perception and enhances personal power while balancing emotions and decision-making skills.

8. Moonstone

The crystal of “new beginnings,” moonstone symbolizes inner strength and growth. It’s also known to soothe feelings of instability and stress.

Start your Crystal collection and check out these additional resources to learn more about crystals and the power of transformative energy:

Cecilia Seiter

Cecilia is a freelance writer and contributor to Slow North. She writes largely about sustainability, especially as it applies to beauty, wellness, and the future of technology. She is a graduate of the journalism department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and is based in Los Angeles, CA.