Crystals have become all the rage in the world of alternative medicine. People go to Reiki massages that incorporate crystals for supposed healing effects. Others simply hold different crystals in their hands for a desired emotional impact. Whether you’re a big believer or a skeptic, we investigated the world of crystal healing for you.

What is the origin behind crystal healing?

If you’re interested in crystal healing, you subscribe to the Chinese idea of life-energy, chi or qi, and the idea of chakras, which are supposed connectors between the physical and supernatural aspects of the body. Western society has borrowed these concepts from Eastern cultural traditions.

How do people use the crystals?

During crystal healing sessions, crystal healers put stones and crystals on the parts of your body that are said to contain the different chakras. You’ll have a crystal on your head, forehead, throat, chest, stomach, gut, and pelvis area. Other people don’t attend formal crystal healing sessions, but instead wear crystals on their bodies, hold them in their hands, or keep them under their pillows. They do this to protect themselves from sickness and promote positivity.

Is there scientific evidence to back up crystal healing?

Because crystal healing stems from a homeopathic standpoint and requires a belief in energy fields in the body, scientists have not performed studies to determine whether they produce the desired effects. Instead, scientists have studied how people feel when exposed to crystals.

In a study presented at the European Congress of Psychology in Rome, researchers found that the power of suggestion, along with pre-existing beliefs about the supernatural, influenced the efficacy of crystal healing. Participants in the study who self-reported that they believe strongly in the paranormal experienced warmth or tingling when holding a crystal, whether it was real or not. This suggests that belief in the power of crystals is an important factor in whether they’ll work for you.

If no one is sure if crystals work, should I really buy one for myself?

Scientists rarely perform experiments on alternative medicinal practices because they are often difficult, or impossible, to test. The truth is, it’s up to you to decide whether or not crystal healing is legitimate and works for you. You can use them to beautify your home or hold in your hand like good luck charms. If you believe in their healing powers, you can also use them to improve your mood, immunity, and confidence. Just because there are no formal studies proving that crystals can heal you doesn’t mean that incorporating them into your home or wellness routine will hurt you.

Despite the growth of Western medicine, many people turn to alternative methods to enhance their health. If you’re interested in crystal healing and believe in the concepts behind its origin, by all means, try it out.

Of course, if you’re experiencing a serious health problem, you should always talk to your doctor to develop a treatment plan. If you still want to try alternative medicine, make sure it’s safe for you.