Though crystals may be popular, there’s no scientific proof they offer anything more than placebo effects. Still, crystals may serve as useful tools to relax the mind and foster mindfulness.

Crystal spirituality falls under the category of metaphysical religion, which encompasses modern New Age movements as well as older practices like astrology or psychic ability. It emphasizes solving problems on Earth rather than hoping to achieve salvation after death.

Choosing Your Crystal

Crystals emit specific frequencies thought to impact energy fields and promote healing. Selecting an amethyst stone may aid sleep and enhance intuition while citrine brings positivity and abundance into one’s life.

Experts advise starting by setting an intention. Visit a crystal shop and let your subconscious guide your search; if a particular piece catches your eye or feels as though it was meant for you, that’s a sure sign from the universe!

However, keep in mind that there is little scientific proof that crystals have healing powers; many practitioners believe they offer only a placebo effect. That being said, crystals can complement wellness practices like meditation and help relieve stress – just make sure to follow your physician’s advice when treating physical ailments and don’t soak or expose crystals directly to sunlight as some become toxic or disintegrate with moisture exposure.

Cleansing

Crystals can be powerful conduits of energy, yet they can also absorb negative energies from their surrounding environment, previous owners or your own energetic imprint. Therefore, it is essential that crystals be cleansed regularly – particularly after using them for spiritual healing purposes.

Water cleansing is an easy and effective method. Simply submerge your crystals in running water (preferably natural stream or tap) while visualizing its flow washing away any negative energy from them. Smudging – passing your crystal through smoke from sage or palo santo leaves – may also work.

Another way of cleansing crystals through sound vibration is with sound vibrations. This can be accomplished by submerging them in saltwater, or submerging it with intention into another body of water – for instance by holding one in your hand and visualizing your intention embedded within its crystal form. You could also use singing bowls, tuning forks or your voice to generate vibrations for sound cleansing purposes.

Wearing

Although crystal practitioners believe their stones can aid with physical ailments, no scientific proof exists for this claim. Still, using crystals should not pose any significant health risks if used as part of a wellness practice like meditation, feng shui or yoga.

Select a crystal based on its energetic properties and your intention when working with it. A good place to start would be by recognizing your needs – such as healing anxiety or increasing intuition – then researching crystals associated with them like amethyst or citrine.

Crystal enthusiasts often utilize crystals as jewelry or even keep them around to balance the energy in their pockets, purses and homes. Some crystals such as onyx are known for banishing negativity while fostering clarity, while a clear blue crystal such as sodalite helps promote communication and spiritual wisdom. Others use prayer beads during meditation with repeated mantra repetitions to cultivate serenity and mindfulness.

Using

Add crystals to your wellness toolkit for multiple benefits. They can help ground and balance you, soothe anxiety or enhance focus – yet shouldn’t be seen as an alternative therapy solution for serious mental health conditions, since there is no scientific proof they work effectively in treating anxiety or depression.

Keep your crystals hygienically clean. This can be accomplished through either placing them outside in moonlight or placing them on a selenite charging plate, but simply holding them in your hands with intention can do just as well. For instance, amethyst stone has long been associated with spiritual development and relaxation – ideal if your aim is increasing clarity or focus. Likewise you could “program” one by focusing on your intention while holding it.