Crystals have long enthralled humanity, from ancient civilizations’ spiritual rituals to mindfulness practices today. Yet despite widespread hype regarding raw crystals’ healing properties, very little scientific research exists that supports this claim.

Crystal healers believe crystal vibrations align with our own electromagnetic fields, providing physical and psychological wellbeing. But exactly how does this work?

Physical

Crystals are an invaluable source of Mother Nature’s elemental energy in alternative medicine. Ranging from clear quartz to the delicate lilac hues of amethyst, crystals are believed to contain vibrations which may help heal physical conditions on an energetic level.

Stones like rose quartz and citrine are often recommended by holistic health practitioners and used in yoga classes to promote self-healing and emotional well-being. Rose quartz may help encourage self-love while digesting experiences, emotions and attachments while citrine may increase spiritual growth.

But claims that crystals can heal your body aren’t backed by scientific research. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, crystal healing is considered pseudoscientific alternative therapy – meaning it has no basis in science or clinical trials – which puts those relying solely on crystal healing at risk of financial exploitation as well as worsening their condition by not seeking other forms of treatment.

Emotional

Crystals have long been revered as precious gifts from Mother Earth, harnessing elemental energy into healing vibrations that help balance positive and negative energies to release any blockages that might exist in life. According to ancient legend, crystals hold universal life energy which helps balance positive and negative energies and release blockages.

These gemstones are used extensively in mindfulness and meditation practices to promote emotional wellbeing. Amethyst, in particular, has long been recognized for its soothing properties that can relieve anxiety while simultaneously increasing intuition and spiritual awareness. Other popular crystals for emotional balance include rose quartz – widely recognized for encouraging self-love and compassion – and citrine which has a reputation for increasing energy and increasing optimism.

Scientific research into crystals may not have been rigorous, yet many individuals report finding peace and relief through using these natural gems. Not only can crystals be worn as jewelry; placing them strategically around your home or office can create a relaxing and therapeutic atmosphere; while gridding them together further amplifies their energies.

Mental

Crystal healing may have no scientific basis, but its theory claims it works by interfacing with one’s energy field (or aura) in order to promote balance and alignment of chakras. Crystals like amethyst and rose quartz have long been used for their alleged ability to calm minds, relieve anxiety, and help people feel grounded and secure.

Crystals have long been revered as helping to foster intuition, spiritual awareness and protection against negative energy of all types. Many crystal healers claim that by charging crystals (by placing them beneath a full moon or using a crystal charger plate) and setting an intention for use, their healing powers are amplified exponentially.

Due to the pseudoscientific nature of crystal healing and lack of industry regulations or professional certification for practitioners, those interested in these practices should proceed cautiously – and remember that crystals should never take the place of professional mental healthcare provider treatment.

Spiritual

Crystals have long been used to decorate priests, warriors, princesses, sailors and tribes from ancient civilizations alike. Crystals capture elemental energies such as sun light, moon light, salt sea water, soil, mountains etc. into one shimmery gem which then returns its healing properties back into our bodies.

crystals may have spiritual healing powers that interact with human auras and chakras to bring about balance and healing, although little scientific research exists on the topic; those studies that have been performed have generated much skepticism from scientific communities.

Amethyst crystals, for instance, are known for promoting relaxation and mindfulness as well as relieving stress relief and personal development. Rose quartz may help nurture heart chakra and foster self-love. Whatever the intention behind using crystals may be, what matters most in working with them is having an intentional plan in place that guides healing efforts.