For thousands of years, people have believed crystals and minerals to possess healing powers.
In more recent times, many books have been written on the subject and there are many courses and workshops becoming available too.
There are various different approaches of crystal healing among many different people.
Some folk like to associate a crystal to a part of the body and might place a crystal at the specific area where the problem is and then meditate with the thought that 'this crystal will help heal the problem'.
Other folk use Gem Elixirs - whereby a crystal is placed into water for a while and then the water might be consumed (but careful attention is required regarding which crystals are safe for this method).
Another form of crystal healing is where someone would arrange various crystals around you in a special geometric pattern called a grid or net.
The idea here is to allow passage of energies to or from the body through these crystals.
Many folk believe that they can balance or clear a chakra using crystals. However in reality chakras cannot become blocked or unbalanced - only the subtle human energies flowing through them can become mis-programmed. Crystals can resolve these energetic problems.
I personally believe that crystal healing is a therapy based upon subtle energetic laws and where a crystal might have a therapeutic quality - it is because of an energetic reason and not physical one.
I perceive that every different mineral has a different type of subtle mineral energy and that different minerals therefore act as batteries for these energies.
By careful selection of an appropriate crystal for a situation and then using special mental exercises to 'command' the energy of that crystal to resolve or balance a condition... results can be attained.
© Tony Bondar - 2005
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your comments
Jackie Moore from California
I pity the religious fanatics who go out of their way to visit sites like this in an attempt NOT to learn but to simply hound people while trying to push their small and insignificately narrow views on others. Boy! Talk about people who NEED a good crystal healing....!
David
Quartz does NOT power any watch, the battery powers the watch and the current is passed through the crystal, this crystal oscillates at a known frequency therfore regulating the action of the watch. This is physics and crystal healing is mere wibble i'm afraid.
Liz
I utilise crystals on a regular basis. One of my favourites (although I am biased) is Preseli Bluestone.With reference to training, yes it is important in my view. If you are going to practice outside of your family and friends, to you need to do a training course for any holistic therapy if you are going to be a professional. The training is not just "padding" but is essential to protect both the client and the therapist from risk factors. For instance, with crystal therapy you often lie the client down. If the client has circulatory issues then this may not be appropriate.
Vince Rhomas from Bristol
As a novice to crystal healing, I have been interested by comments on this site regarding religious implications. All I can share is my personal experiences of crystal healing, which I combine with meditation, breathing and other complimetary healing. As a result I have had relief from arhritis and clinical depression. Faith in the universe and energy within sits comfortably with my higher power. Spirituality and not religion has been a major factor in my recovery.
Lin from Sussex
i have found of late that crystals have chosen me rather than me choosing them. I have little expreience in this area and am just starting my spiritual journey, but I have found that they have aided me to look within myself and the issues I need to face and forgive within me. I agree, like anything you need to respect it and realise what you are dealing with. But I encourage anyone with a genuine interest to visit a shop with crystals where the shop owner/assistants are happy to answer any questions and see how you feel in the atmosphere of the shop. At first I was quite intimidated as it was something i didn't understand. Now it feels so inviting. It is impossible to explain to people who are closed off to it the effect a crystal's energy can have on a person.
Tony. Scotland
Thank you for your opinion Jude, some will agree, others perhaps not; that's what makes us all individuals with the moral, ethical right to choose our own way, irrespective of the ways of others. Personally speaking, I can't see there being any grounds for distrust or suspicion in a subject where one person might actually help, heal or relieve pain or discomfort in another person; particularly where they might perform such an exercise for free.
Jude ,UK
If crystals are used to "channel any spirit/energy' other than the Holy Spirit (and this method of crystals is NOT the way to receive the Holy Spirit)then as people have rightly said IT IS VERY DANGEROUS- playing with fire. The only good & safe spirit is the Holy Spirit received through & believing in Jesus Christ- His sacrifice on the cross because He was & is the only pure human being paid for our debt (pain,suffering,sin). When you know the truth, the truth will set you free
Chris, Devon
Unfortunately despite the good experiences of Karen and Edward, I have had nothing but bad experiences with ACHO. I sat in a tutor's sitting room, who had no control over a fellow male student's behavior and as previously stated was handed photocopied sheets which we all sat and read out aloud. It was not worth the money and was very unprofessional ... the public need to be made aware of the facts as most people feel it is "quackery" and such organisations do not help the cause, with their spin.
Sue from Chester
Having read the comments made about the crystal healing association, I disagree with what has been written. I've had some bad experiences and poor teaching. The standards are not universal across all the courses and these courses are padded out to attain the 2 year duration and charge the money. Crystal Healing is becoming the new Reiki, and a financial bandwagon for many. I love the crystal energy cards. The cards are an excellent guide, and are on my Christmas wish list.
Tony Bondar, now in Scotland
Without wishing to directly advertise the site where they are available; there is now a set of 'Crystal Energy Cards' on the market - which actually show what the energies of 50 different stones look like to the trained clairvoyant. These images will be a difficult matter to explain purely by the laws of physics alone - as they all have distinct, different channels, subchannels, spirals, waves and some even have geometry about them... It's about time that someone showed the world what crystal energies look like! Kind regards.
Karen Wood, Nottingham
So many relevant and varied comments have been made here and its good to see that most of them are in support of crystal therapy. However I think that for those people looking to begin a course that will cost not only upwards of £1000 but also two years of your life, it is esential that you do your homework on the school and the tutor that you choose. I support the view of Mr. Lees, that speaking to students will be the best source of reliable information. Another guide to assessing how good a school is may be to look at the amount of students that actually complete the course and I would venture that any school worth its salt would not be shy at providing this kind of information. Mention has been made of the endevours of associations to ensure high standards of course content and teaching qualifications. ACHO ensure that all of their tuors have either a Cert Ed or PGCE qualification as a minimum requirement for their schools to be accepted into the association. there are also strict codes of conduct in place for both students and tutors to adhere to, with complaints procedures to be followed in the event of this neding to take place.The course content has to cover core subjects in the first year including Anatomy and Physiology, providing a sound foundation for the second year which is made up of six more Crystal Therapy based modules which ensure that the diploma acheived is a complete Crystal Therapy diploma. It is also be an indication of the standard of ACHO qualification by pointing out that the NHS recognise crystal therapists that have completed courses at ACHO accredited schools. (Check out the NHS website) Mention has also been made that couses should be run at registered and inspected schools. A fine idea, however in my own experience the best courses I have been on have been great because of the knowledge, experience and proffesionalism of the tutors not the course venue. As long as the venue is health and safety compliant, offers toilet and refreshment facilities and provides disabled access and facilities, then the venue is more than satisfactory.
Edward Lees from Derbyshire
I have just enrolled on a crystal course, having found a link through the ACHO website. I live in Derbyshire and am aware that there are both good and bad schools out there, and that it isn't always easy to tell which ones are which. Word of mouth is I feel the best quantifying guide to a good or bad school - try to speak with students of the school you are looking interested in, both past and present to get an idea what the school is really like ... unfortunately there are many people out there teaching crystal! healing who have just 'jumped on the bandwagon' and are out solely to earn a lot of money at the expense of their students.
Clair Michna from Derby
I'd also like to point out to Paul from Porth that without training I could poison you. Some stones are toxic and while they may look pretty, they can do harm if used incorrectly. Any more arguments against training or would you be happy to open yourself to the placebo effect?
Carla du Rose
I feel that everyone has made some very valid comments about crystal healing, ranging from "no scientific proof" to discussions about the depth of training. Unfortunately as with all energy therapies, methods of teaching and standards vary. Organisations such as the British Complementary Medicine Association (bcma) with representation within the parliamentary advisory group for complimentary Medicine, are trying to establish exacting standards for their members, schools, colleges and associations. It is time for energy work to be taught in registered and inspected schools, providing a professional environment, to gain a professional qualification. When enquiring about a course ask where it is being held, ask about the training of your tutor, and their methods of teaching and resources. Ask if they have had an external inspection and ask about their standards. It is not all about, completing a course and gaining insurance, that is the easy part, and anyone can start an association and make it look professional. Would you pay over a £1,000 to sit in someone's sitting room and read information from photocopied sheets? Because that is what is happening. Research your course, its content, and venue very carefully before you commit. Visit existing classes, ask questions and don't just assume.
Andy, Liverpool
A good therapist would cleanse the crystals first then programme them to use on patients. I have had many crystal treatments and find that they do relax you and the next day feeling energetic. People can feel different things off different treatments but all in all crystal therapy is a complement to other therapies too.
Garry, Crosskeys, Newport,
If indeed crystal energy is quackery, I wonder who found the virtue of using quartz to power watches?? mmmmmmmm Oh, if anyone can think of a energetic site for a open air marriage in south Wales I would be grateful to hear.
Sharon Irvine, London
I've been studying crystal healing for a while now, in addition to my meditation, and I find it wonderful. I keep hematite on my desk at work to "reflect" negative emotions from me (just as its shiny surface reflects light away!) I also have quartz points which I use for grounding in the evening when I get home from work, as well as a small selection of chakra crystals to play with when I need support. It's lovely that people are now stepping away from mad-made medications and opening their hearts and minds to ancient practices!
Victoria Templeton from Manchester
A friend of mine says that crystal healing is against her Christian beliefs and that she would never try it because it is percieved to be evil. I'm interested in having a go but as a Christian am not sure if I should - does anyone have any advice?
Linda, The City, London
Why is James Mc Dougall so utterly SMALL minded? There is no scientific basis for beauty - I look at a painting or person which I think is beautiful, and the next person thinks is awful. There is scientic method for predicting say hurricanes yet 'scientists' still do and are proven wrong - case in point, 2006 was predicted as the worst ever year of intense hurricane activity. Try crystals out before you launch a scathing attack based on nothing but your ignorance. I too was scathing once upon a time.
Helen,Torfaen
Anyone interested in doing a crystal healing course should check out the ACHO (Affiliation of Crystal Healing Organisations) website for a suitably qualified teacher. Courses usually last for two years leading to a diploma. Eligibility for membership of ACHO & insurance is achieved at the end of the first year which is a certificate level.
Ian, Scunthorpe
What is the best crystal for healing some one with scyatica?
Louisa from Leeds
I am interested in crystal healing. I am interested on going on a course if anyone knows where there is anywhere to train. Also which crystals do I buy for each chakra and where do I buy them? Also I am studying homeopathy and reflexology and would be interested how they would interconnect.
Kate
James McDougall, If you think it is indefensible quackery, why are you even looking at it? You must have been curious, so why don't you give it a go? It does surprise a lot of my clients, at just how relaxed they get. If you are still sceptical, why don't you incorporate the crystals with reflexology, something more down to earth.
James McDougall, Newport
Why is the BBC carrying advertisements for indefensible quackery?
Natasha Stephens from South Wales
I am a Crystal Healer Practitioner, and I absolutely swear by the use of powerful gem stones. Some people may think it is a bit way out, but they are soon proved otherwise. I find it very beneficial, as a migraine sufferer, and an amethyst layout soothes your head fabulously. No need for pills. I am also a reflexologist, and find that people are more open to using the two therapies together. This way they can benefit from the reflexes being stimulated at the same time as feeling the cleansing energy of the crystals, which work on the whole system.
Wendy Hale of Risca, nr Newport
I am a qualified crystal therapist and am registered with the Affiliation of Crystal Healing Organisations having studied on a course for 2 years. Crystals can be chosen randomly, or for specific ailments and a treatment is deeply relaxing. For those sceptics out there, cup a crystal in your palms and concentrate on it for a while. You'll soon start to feel the energy vibrating or pulsing in your palm. Amazing.
Tony Bondar, now in Scotland
Paul from Porth would be pleased to hear me say that he is right that there is a LOT of ‘padding out courses and money making’ – without a doubt… There are also a LOT of people that know little yet ‘preach – teach’ much – there are as many as 50 crystal healing courses running in the UK at any one time – and they vary in cost from £199 to £550 per year… (for an average of 12 ‘lessons’)… It is a sad truth that a large majority, (in my opinion) generally prefer commerce to service in this field and a LOT of people jump on the money making bandwagon of selling crystals at outrageous prices. Look at some shops in a certain town in Somerset for example… However – there are other facts too. – There are genuine healers. There are also genuine healers that use crystals and get results; and some of these do courses for others to learn their knowledge; and some of these are not overpriced or especially difficult to follow. There are also some shops that sell crystals at reasonable prices. These are facts. Paul also mentioned his opinion that Crystal Healing doesn’t hold up to scientific scrutiny – and there is a very good reason for that Paul – it’s called Thoughtforms. The very word ‘scrutiny’ says it all. If you were to study Elementary Occultism and particularly – the subject of Thoughtforms for some years – you would realise that it is not the Crystal Healing that is under question – but the nature of the thoughts of those that might scrutinize it. The ‘Placebo effect’ is a clear example of human thoughtforms in action; conventional science and medicine are still to provide a working explanation to the Placebo effect… Kind regards to all. Tony.
Leiah Ikafa from London
I am a qualified Crystal/Energy Healer and Sound Therapist. I studied over 2 years and still feel I don't really know enough. It is a very in depth training and very neccessary. Crystals are very powerful and in the wrong hands of someone who is not fully attuned or in contact with their guides they could cause damage to a persons energy field. Healing crises could appear before the person is ready to deal with the underlying issue and in extreme cases could cause mental illness. I advise anyone seriously thinking about having Crystal Healing to thoroughly check out the authenticity of the healer. Two years minimum training and a full diploma. And full insurance of course. Love, Light and Luminosity - Leiah - The Crystal Goddess - London.
Helen Thompson from Coventry
Paul from Porth asked 'why does one need "extensive" training to become a crystal healer?' It's a good question and one that a dyed-in-the-wool sceptic like himself would find hard to understand! Metaphysical healing, including crystal & energy healing, is only for the chosen few, those who can understand the subtle energies that are the basis of life. And even although you may understand them, to use them effectively takes a lot of practice! Total commitment to your belief that love is the ultimate healer, to the knowledge that the individual ultimately heals himself - you do not do the healing...you only facilitate it, is vital as is in-depth knowledge of different crystals and their properties & how they interact with the body's energy system. Life is just one long learning curve!
Paul from Porth
Why does one need "extensive" training to become a crystal healer? is it all about padding out courses and money making? Crystal healing does not hold up to any form of scientific scrutiny and people practising it are only harnassing the placebo effect.
Joseph Engel
I am very interested in crystals, and crystal healing. I am looking for a college of sorts were I could get training in the art of Laying on Stones, and Crystal correspondence to power points on the body.
Jones, Sussex
Work with crystals and they are very powerful, but as said in the article the way to use them in a healing situation is to ask them to work. They work for each of us individually by wearing them. You will intuitively pick the one you need.
Stephen Wells from Newcastle Emlyn
Did you know that crystals are also mined in Wales? One of the sites Tony lists above - Kacha Stones - ethically mines quartz in the hills of Wales and supplies crystal healers worldwide. I have some Welsh quartz and it is exceptionally energetic.
Emma, S.Wales
I randomly chose to wear a rose quartz around my neck this week (it didn't even match my outfit!) when my great aunt who specializes in crystal therapy said that i chose to wear that today because my heart attracted it to me as it has healing vibrations both physical and emotional specifically to the heart. She doesn't even know that i am going through a divorce and 5 months pregnant! I'm glad she brought crystal therapy to my awarness beause i believe that it has healing factors on the body - without us even knowing it!
Caroline Hawkins
I am a crystal healer from Wellington, Somerset. Tony is right about the energies of crystals. They all give off their own energy/vibration which can be absorbed into the body, allowing the body to balance itself out. At the end of the day it is down to the person whether they can accept this energy which can be subtle or overpowering! Tony keep up the good work
