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Other common
name(s): crystal healing
Scientific/medical
name(s): none
Description
Crystals such as quartz, malachite, amethyst, and other
gemstones are used for the purposes of healing physical and emotional
conditions.
Overview
Available scientific evidence does not support the idea that
crystals are effective in treating cancer or any other disease.
However, there are individual reports that crystals can be used as a
method to promote relaxation and relieve stress.
How is it promoted for use?
Crystals are thought to focus or otherwise transform energy to
stimulate healing. Specific crystals are suggested to treat a wide
variety of physical and emotional conditions including bursitis,
headaches, indigestion, insomnia, hemorrhages, rheumatism, thrombosis,
forgetfulness, anxiety, depression, Parkinson's disease, blindness, and
cancer. Some people claim certain gemstones or crystals carry special
energy that can be transferred to people to provide protection against
disease, restore health, and provide spiritual guidance.
Most supporters do not claim stones or crystals can cure
illness directly. They say certain stones and crystals emit vibrations
that can correct underlying problems, although some crystal healers say
that they are used only as adjuncts to other types of healing. It is
thought that illness occurs when an individual is misaligned with the
divine energy, or light, that is believed to be the foundation of all
creation. The application of stones or crystals within specific energy
centers, called chakras, draws light and color into the body's aura.
This creates a flow of energy that promotes healing by clearing,
balancing, and reenergizing the body's energy fields.
What does it involve?
Crystal therapists are said to intuitively locate "blockages"
of energy in the body's aura. They then place stones or crystals on
specific parts of the body. Different types and colors of stones or
crystals are promoted to have different healing powers. For example,
amethysts are thought to calm the mind and uplift the spirit, sapphires
are thought to help hearing and mental clarity, and rubies are thought
to cleanse the blood and foster courage. Each one is chosen based on
the individual's needs and energy fields.
Some people carry crystals in their pockets, wear them on a
chain, put them in bath water, or place them in their homes to bring
the power of healing within reach. Crystals are sometimes used with
other methods such as Acupuncture,
Meditation,
and Polarity Therapy
(see these documents for more information).
What is the history behind it?
The use of crystals for healing dates back to the ancient
Greeks and Indians, who believed there were large gems that gave light
to another world under their known world. Some ancient cultures
believed that spirits lived inside crystals. They also thought crystals
created and gave off light. Crystals remain popular among some
alternative therapy proponents today.
What is the evidence?
Available scientific evidence does not support the idea that
crystals are useful in promoting healing. Some crystals have the
ability to bend or refract light, which creates a rainbow effect.
Phosphorescent crystals can hold light for a short period of time, but
they do not have their own energy source or special powers. Some people
believe that crystals or gemstones are helpful as a complementary
treatment to promote relaxation and reduce stress. This may occur as a
result of the "placebo effect," in which believing that something can
or will happen produces a positive result.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
Crystals are thought to be relatively safe. However, relying
on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional
medical care for cancer may have serious health consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Beyerstein BL. Distinguishing science from pseudoscience.
Prepared for The Centre for Curriculum and Professional Development.
Simon Fraser University Web site. Accessed at
http://www.sfu.ca/~beyerste/research/articles/02SciencevsPseudoscience.pdf
on May 23, 2008.
Healing with crystals. Mystical Soup Web site. Accessed at
http://mysticalsoup.com/crystals.html on March 20, 2007. Site now
discontinued.
Maasdijk H. Crystal healing. Complementary Healthcare
Information Service UK Web site. Accessed at
http://www.chisuk.org.uk/articles/result.php?key=132 on May 23, 2008.
Raso J. The expanded dictionary of metaphysical healthcare,
alternative medicine, paranormal healing, and related methods.
Quackwatch Web site. Accessed at
http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/dictionary/md00.html
on May 28, 2008.
Note: This information may not cover
all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is
familiar with your medical situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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