Since Covid, many of us have looked for ways to feel grounded, to calm anxiety and soothe stress. This has brought about a rise of interest in alternative therapies such as crystal healing.

The use of crystals to heal has been around for centuries

“What I have seen these last few years especially is this deeper need to connect,” says crystal healer Emma Lucy Knowles. “I really feel the rise of social media has helped more people rediscover a sense of community as well as a sense of confidence in who they are. But on the other, we have become reliant on that fix, that energy hit from a small computer in our hand that never really fulfils us fully with that nourishing connection that the heart, soul and mind need. So, we seek deeper and scroll further searching in the wrong spaces.”

“Crystals allow us, quite effortlessly, to move fresh energy into the being, offering internal connectivity that enhances your external connectivity,” Knowles says. “More and more people are tuning into how that energy can be beneficial.”

What exactly is crystal healing?

Judy Hall, in her work, The Little Book of Crystals, writes that crystals are said to “have a stable and unchanging energy pattern, each with a unique frequency and energy field, or resonance” that gives them special properties. As a result, “they act like tuning forks,” helping bring “harmony” to the “very unstable energy field of the human body”.

Quite simply, crystal healing involves using gemstones to bring balance to an individual’s life and mind.

Benefits of crystals

The healing benefits of crystals surround areas of mental well being such as feelings of increased tranquility, positivity and focus and enhanced immunity and natural pain relief.

Individual crystals are also known to have their own special energies that can align to different areas of our lives, with their shape and color – as well as their type – affecting their influence.

Jade

Jade has long been used to purify the body and has been employed as a healing tool for centuries.

Citrine

Citrine is said to be ideal for entrepreneurs with its power to stimulate the brain, increasing self-esteem, motivation and creativity.

Turquoise

Turquoise is often used to protect against surrounding pollutants or external influences, by enhancing your immune system, and it is meant to have anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects, making it particularly appealing for individuals working in cities. It can stabilize mood swings by aligning the chakras as well, meaning that it’s a popular crystal for calming fears and exhaustion in daunting situations.

Rose Quartz

For those seeking feelings of unconditional love, both for others and themselves, rose quartz is a well-known and popular crystal. It is seen to replace negativity with loving energies, opening individuals up to self-forgiveness and trust, while additionally being used with the view to help increase fertility.

Clear Quartz

Crystal Quartz is a popular crystal for healing, due to the belief that it is ‘the energetic bridge between our conscious and unconscious minds’. It is said to hold and regulate negative energies to allow for a balanced and revitalized self, boosting one’s internal strength.

Amethist

Amethyst is also believed to have healing powers and is used to relieve stress and sadness, remove negativity, and ease grief. The stone’s use can often be a symbol and source of support, as well as helping focus your mind and reduce the effect of headaches, making meditation easier and more beneficial in the process.