LITTLE GEMS
THE LOWDOWN ON CRYSTALS AND WHY CELEBS GO GAGA OVER THEM
Kim Kardashian loves them, Bella Hadid travels with them and Giselle Bündchen has them all around her house. So what is it about crystals that makes some people go whoa and others say woo-woo?
In her book, Crystal Muse, Everyday
Rituals to Tune Into the Real You, Heather Askinosie – a former real estate agent – says one of the questions she gets asked a lot is, do crystals really work? Her answer? They do for her. “First of all, they make me happy when I look at them,” she says. “As soon as I hold a crystal in my hand I feel more grounded.”
ENERGY IS EVERYWHERE
Whether or not you think turning to crystals for stress reduction or to ease a headache is crazy, the energy of crystals can be explained with Quantum Field
Theory (QFT) – a theoretical framework of quantum physics (yes, it’s a bit science-y). In basic terms,
QFT explains how waves of energy interconnect between one object (or person) and another. It’s what can be used to explain that feeling you get when you meet someone and instantly dislike them. Something about their ‘frequency’ feels off to you. That’s QFT at play and is the best way to explain the healing energy of crystals.
According to Askinosie, “Crystals have an orderly structure, known as a crystal lattice and the energy they emit remains at a constant frequency. When a crystal is placed on or near an area of the body emitting at a lower frequency, it encourages the body to match its higher frequency.” So, on the most basic level, when you’re feeling low, bringing a crystal into your energy field helps to lift you up. Which can work, even if you don’t believe it.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
Judy Hall has written over 40 books on crystals, including The Crystal Bible and
Crystal Love. She says, “At the simplest level, many crystals contain traces of therapeutic
minerals that pass across the skin barrier to bring about physiological changes.” As for the benefits of varying crystals, Hall puts it down to their energetic vibration. “Each crystal type has its own fundamental frequency or harmonic note.” Hall also states that belief in their efficacy is up to you, “Using the healing power of crystals as a tool for empowerment, balance and enlightenment is directly related to your own personal belief.”
She goes on to say, “Some people are naturally sensitive to crystal energy and feel it the instant they come into contact with their first crystal. For others it takes time and effort to make the connection.” Hall is also clear that using crystals isn’t a cure for everything. “Crystal energy, as with all information received intuitively, isn’t always 100 per cent effective. But she does say, “Crystals gently return the emotions to a positive pattern.”
THE PLACEBO EFFECT
It’s natural to question the healing power of things we don’t understand and, as Askinosie says, “If you believe that crystals will help you on an energetic and vibrational level, they most certainly will.” If, however you think they won’t work since science hasn’t proven they will, Askinosie says you’re still correct and in this case, “They probably won’t work for you.”
But belief isn’t everything. There’s also the placebo effect which has been proven to be useful for pain relief, as well as the ability to create hormonal and other biological healing effects. So if you’re waiting for science to prove the efficacy of crystal healing, the placebo effect works just fine. And unlike many pharmaceuticals, crystals don’t have side effects.