Crystal Therapy

Crystals are a solid material formed underground, developing sometimes over thousands of years. On a microscopic level a crystal is made up of compressed ions, atoms and molecules which are arranged in an orderly repeating pattern extending in all three spatial dimensions. Each crystal's appearance depends upon the natural characteristics of its type and the conditions in which it grows.  The shapes are a direct result of the type of molecules and atoms that make up the crystal. 

It is thought that this repeating chemical structure invest crystals with a kind of memory. This enables crystals to transmit, transmute and store energies. It is this memory that enables crystals to be programmed, which is done with intent and focus. No special tools are needed. Crystals can store negative as well as positive energies and so crystal therapists, and anyone who uses crystals should regularly cleanse them. This is normally after they have been used for a purpose. 

Dating back to early civilisations, crystals and gemstones have been used for their healing properties. Crystal therapy is thought to be traced back at least 6,000 years to the time of the ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia. The ancient Egyptians were also believed to have mined a variety of gemstones and used precious stones as jewellery to ward off illness and negative energy or evil spirits. They also used gemstones in cosmetics. Even the ancient Chinese used Jade as a stone for healing the kidneys. 

The word 'crystal' actually originates from the Greek word for ice. The Greeks believed that clear quartz was water so deeply frozen it would remain solid for eternity. Many crystals names can be traced back to the Greeks, Amethyst can be translated as 'not intoxicated', a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness. Emerald is the English name derived from the Greek smaragdos, meaning 'green gem', the emerald was believed to have the power to protect chastity, ward off evil spirits, cure dysentry, epilepsy and help poor eyesight. Greek soldiers were even known to have rubbed themselves with hematite before going into battle in the belief it would make them superior warriors.

Not only do crystals have their place in ancient civilisations, they also have their place in religion where there are a number of references to crystals in the Bible and Koran. 

This goes to demonstrate how widespread the idea of the mystical, medicinal and protective qualities of crystals and the use of crystals in healing really was.

This leads us to the modern day use of crystals. Crystal therapy is a form of vibrational medicine where the patient is treated holistically, addressing their physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. This is in contrast to conventional modern medicine, which generally focuses on treating a single specific conditon. 

Crystal therapy involves placing crystals on the body or around the body in a grid formation designed to stimulate energy and promote energy balance within the physical and etheral body, also known as the aura. The crystals direct and amplify energy and the choice of crystal will depend on the clients needs.  There are many crystal layouts to choose from, so the therapist either works intuitively or dowses with a pendulum for the right layout.

The benefits of crystal therapy include relaxation, reducing stress, releasing blocked and suppressed emotions, increased clarity and focus, relieving aches and pains, increased energy, more restful sleep, clearing toxins, strengthening the immune system, balancing the energies in the body, promoting natural self-healing, and a sense of connectedness or purpose.

Our body has seven main chakras (plus others) which are the centres in our bodies in which energy flows through. Each chakra has its own vibrational frequency, which is linked to a specific chakra colour. Blocked energy in our chakras can often lead to illness, so it's important for a crystal therapist to understand what each chakra represents and what we can do to keep this energy flowing freely. The aura is the electromagnetic field that surrounds the body. The auric field is associated with the radiating energy of the chakras who produce it. The colour and shape of the aura is represented as a halo or faint light of various colours. Invisible to most, the auric field is nevertheless perceptible with practice when one develops sensibility to subtle energy. If something in our lives happens to unbalance the energies in our aura, such as emotional or physical trauma, or a physical illness or ailment, these energies become unbalanced which then can result in a blockage which over time may manifest as a physical, mental or emotional sense of dis-ease. Charges or healing vibrations within the crystal interact with the body's energy centres to remove 'blockages' and restore a healthy flow through the body and mind, rebalancing the energies within the body.  The aim is to promote healing from the root cause rather than just treating the symptom. Crystals can promote a feeling a relief, well being and relaxation. A crystal therapy session can often induce a state of deep relaxation, and it is not uncommon to fall asleep during a treatment. Crystals therefore enable a diseased or out of balance body to find it's natural energetic rhythm once again. Each crystal is unique, with it's own energy and own vibration. Crystals chosen by the therapist may be based on the colour relating to the affected chakras or by the healing properties of the individual crystal. It is also important for a therapist to acknowledge the wishes of the client, particularly if they feel drawn to a specific crystal, or even averse to one.

When you first attend an appointment you will be asked to complete a consultation form which will take some basic details, information on your lifestyle and also any information on pre-existing medical conditions, as well as any your reason for seeking crystal therapy and any problems or symptoms you are experiencing at present. 

A crystal therapist will not attempt to diagnose any physical issues you may be suffering from. Instead a crystal therapist will first assess the condition of your chakras and aura before selecting a number of crystals designed to restore its equilibrium. This may be done by the therapist sensing with their hands over the body, or by using a pendulum to 'dowse'. This information will then form the basis of the treatment session and the choice of crystals used. 

You will be asked to lay upon a therapy couch, and will remain fully clothed throughout the treatment. 

During your treatment you may feel some tingling, warmth or coolness. This is normal and you will be offered a blanket. You are fully conscious and aware throughout, though it is common to enter a deep state of relaxation, and some clients fall into a light sleep. You may sense shifting energies and see colours, though even if you are not aware of any of these things, it does not mean that the treatment is not working, some people are just more sensitive than others to these experiences. What you experience during one treatment may also be different to what you experience during a subsequent treatment. 

Issues that have been manifesting for a long time will usually take longer to begin healing and multiple treatments may be advised.

After a treatment you may feel more tired as your body goes through the healing and repair process. Other common symptoms after treatment include increased thirst, increased sweating, increased urination and increased defecation, due to the body eliminating waste and toxins. The detoxification process may also result in a headache, slight nausea, or mild cold-like symptoms; these can be relieved by resting as much as possible and drinking plenty of water. You may also find that any existing symptoms get worse before they get better. Please be reassured that any of these symptoms are a normal reaction, will be short lived and only temporary as the body heals itself from the inside out. Over time you may feel your energy increase as the immune system is strengthened and you have a restored sense of well-being. 

It is important to take care of yourself after and in between treatments. You will be advised by your therapist to:

• Drink plenty of water to assist in elimination of toxins.
   
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours after a treatment.
   
• Eat healthy and light meals to assist in the healing process.
   
• Listen to your body and rest as much as you can.
   
• Undertake light exercise.
   
• Practice relaxation techniques.
   
• Get plenty of fresh air.
   
• Contact your therapist with any concerns.