Many Americans believe that crystals and gemstones have healing powers for mind, body, and spirit. Their proponents claim these stones interact with our energy field or chi/qi to enhance its benefits.

Similar to Aesop skincare products and turmeric lattes, this multibillion-dollar industry thrives off of the placebo effect – but as with any placebo treatment there may be restrictions.

Healing Properties

Many people believe that crystals contain natural healing properties and foster well-being in all areas of life. This belief stems from the belief that everything vibrates at different frequencies; crystals have stable vibrations that balance an individual’s energy fields.

These beliefs have grown increasingly widespread, leading to an explosion of crystal shops opening across the nation and an upsurge in Google searches for “crystal healing” and “crystal shops near me“. But is there a scientific foundation behind such claims?

No evidence exists to prove the physical or mental health benefits of crystals; however, they can still help improve mood or promote wellbeing when used alongside wellness practices such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness. Begin by recognizing where support is necessary – be it mental clarity, physical energy or spiritual growth. Choose crystals that speak to you. Ideally shop from sellers that practice conscious sourcing to ensure products are ethically and mindfully produced.

Symbolism

Since ancient times, many cultures have utilized crystals as a form of therapy and spiritual connection. Furthermore, crystals may help increase energy, spur creativity and offer other metaphysical benefits.

To use crystals effectively, it’s essential that they align with your intentions and health goals. Hematite crystals have long been touted for their ability to ease anxiety while strengthening self-esteem; amethyst and lepidolite are ideal for restful sleeping while citrine symbolizes abundance and prosperity.

Crystals offer numerous therapeutic properties, which you can incorporate into your home or carry with you to maximize their benefit. To increase their power, cleanse and “charge” it prior to use; placing under full moon or sunlight may boost its healing power further. Meditation with crystals may also help focus your intention and clear away negative blockages – consider adding them into daily rituals for a holistic experience!

Buying Tips

No matter your views on metaphysical powers, crystals add beauty and energy to any home. With proper knowledge, they can even promote positive change in your life!

Begin by selecting a crystal that aligns with your intentions for it. Black Tourmaline, for instance, can help ward off negativity while encouraging grounding in entryways of homes; additionally it’s useful in electronic-heavy rooms to protect against electromagnetic frequencies.

Another key consideration for purchasing crystals is their origin. Gutfreund suggests looking for sellers that provide information about where the crystal was mined; she advises prioritizing those that source their crystals locally as it benefits both the environment and your pocketbook while supporting local small business owners and helping ensure your crystal didn’t travel far before arriving to you; buying local also supports fair wages for mining industry workers.

Care

Crystals tend to absorb energies from their surroundings, which necessitates regular cleansing sessions in order to remove negative energies and restore natural properties within them.

Smudging with sage or palo santo can be used as an effective method, although other approaches include temporarily placing your crystal in moonlight or sunlight (some crystals dissolve in water so it’s important to research before placing). Another popular approach is burying it into the earth – tapping into Mother Earth’s grounding vibrations!

Setting an intention can enhance the power of crystals by aligning your own vibrations with theirs, empowering it to work for you. Rose quartz may encourage self-love while fluorite may aid focus and mental clarity. Setting your intention will allow it to do its work for you!