Crystal healing: Is it hype or hope?

Amber Pendant

The antique store carried a small crystal pendant, a fascinating piece of jewelry one might think, even as the store owner said it had special powers because it could offer healing.  Many people believe crystals can heal, but is this hype or hope for people who suffer from illness or pain?



The use of crystals, according to those whose expertise is in their uses as well as historical and social aspects, dates back more than 30,000 years.  The first were amber beads, amulets from the Baltics and from Britain have been found that were used as adornment.  But others found stones useful for both mental and physical health.  Egyptians used them for health and protection, for example.  Hematite was associated with the God of war.  Amethysts were used to prevent drunkenness and hangovers.



Crystals have been used in healing for as far back as recorded history, as many have observed; however in searching for research evidence, those interested maintain they have not been able to find that kind of definitive proof.  However, the long record of man's use does offer the idea that people had to place upon a stone some type of special power.  In fact it is said that crystals have been used by virtually all cultures of the world for mental, physical and spiritual healing or protection.



Crystal healing is described by some as a "pseudo-scientific or alternative medicine technique that employs stones and crystals as healing tools.  The practitioner places crystals on different parts of the body, often corresponding to chakras, or places crystals around the body in an attempt to construct an "energy grid." which is purported to surround the client with healing energy."



While many people point to the benefits of crystals in the healing of the mind, body and spirit, those who debunk the practice say there is no hard evidence crystals actually have any special powers.  Instead those who question the practice say it is a cultural bias or has the placebo effect where people believe in an object's powers and attribute any positive gain in relationship to that object.



There is evidence that what someone believes can heal or help can actually provide benefit, because of the nature of belief itself.  It is likely that belief that makes crystals work for some people but not for others, while at the same time they remain part of man's eternal jewels for beauty or for benefit.