We’ve been attached to crystals for a lifetime. We’ve cherished the idea that gems possess healing powers since the Aztec empire. Ancient Roman, Egyptian and Greek civilisations used them as talismans, and while they became more of an alternative therapy, recently they’ve seeped into the mainstream for their wellbeing benefits in various elements of one’s life. 

The rock resurgence is still going strong, according to various celebrity fans: Kate Hudson uses them to add a ‘kick’ to her night time routine, Adele uses them to cure her nerves and Kim Kardashian has used crystal healing as part of her recovery after she was robbed at gunpoint in Paris in 2016.   

Jade and amethyst face-rollers are the latest skincare sensation. You can now buy crystal lamps and glasses which help you maintain positive vibes throughout the house. “People are getting more attuned with themselves and the subtle energies around them,” explains spiritual speaker Holly Star. “We all want to effect change, and crystals are the tools to help us.” 

DOES CRYSTAL HEALING WORK? 

So far, there haven’t been any legitimate studies to prove that crystal healing works, but there have been a few experiments relating to crystals throughout history; Pierre Curie discovered that putting pressure on stones – like quartz, topaz, and tourmaline – created electricity. This phenomenon is why crystals are now an essential part of computer software.  

It’s thought that crystals, as well as other stationary objects, and even our bodies, are conductors of some kind of electrical or vibrational energy. While we can’t see the energy, our bodies, and other objects, emit vibrational energies at a particular frequency. Crystals must emit some kind of current, otherwise they wouldn’t be used in technology like our phones, watches, and laptops. 

WHAT’RE THE BENEFITS OF CRYSTAL HEALING? 

Unsurprisingly, the past year has guided us towards new and alternative natural wellness practices, whether it’s meditation or a digital detox. This is the perfect time to try those self-care rituals that you can never make time for. We’re craving forms of healing to help us return to a natural state, to disconnect from the outside world, and connect with our internal self. What better way to do that with crystals from the earth? 

To truly feel the benefits of crystal healing, Manji (founder of Nightbreed Creations) advises taking away the prescriptive part. So instead of going into a crystal healing session with a list of symptoms and the hope of an immediate answer, let the natural energies help you to relax and ease your stresses and ultimately, allow your body to naturally understand itself and reveal the answer. Once you leave those expectations behind, crystals can ground and balance your mind and body. 

“Having crystals around is a way to connect back to nature, which is grounding,” says the co-founder of Rashia Bell. “And even if you don’t understand the energy, but you look at it, and it makes you feel good, that’s enough – it has the desired effect”. 

HOW TO USE CRYSTAL HEALING 

There are lots of ways you can seamlessly incorporate crystals into your daily routine. Some gurus suggest bathing and sleeping with crystals, but a common form of incorporating crystals into your routine, is through your skincare and wellness habits. Use a crystal facial tool like Gua Sha to apply face oil to boost circulation and lymphatic drainage and to depuff and brighten for glowing radiance. 

Try using crystals during yoga, meditation and journal-writing time. Just holding them in your hands while thinking, or resting them on your body as you meditate might help you to feel and activate their energies. So, which crystals encourage what types of energy, and which ones are right for you?  

WHICH CRYSTAL IS RIGHT FOR YOU? 

1. ROSE QUARTZ: FOR CIRCULATION, LOVE & COMPASSION 

Rose quartz now commonly appears in powdered form in skincare products. Use it to ease blockages and encourage more love for yourself or others.  

2. JADE: BEST FOR BALANCING 

You might have seen or use a jade roller already. It’s common in wellness and skincare routines to bring a sense of harmony. It’s thought to balance and restore.  

3. AMETHYST: TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION & STRESS 

To support the mind, amethyst can improve sleep pattern and release tension particularly around the forehead (and third eye), temples and brow area. As an anti-inflammatory, it helps with soothing, cell regeneration and rosacea. It’s also said to boost hormone production and cleanse blood.  

4. CITRINE: TO INSPIRE CREATIVITY & OPTIMISM  

Think of citrus fruits to remember what Citrine does. It brightens and uplifts! Stuck for ideas or in a creative slump? Keep citrine on your desk to inspire concentration and creativity. 

5. CLEAR QUARTZ: TO SOOTHE & HEAL  

Known as the ‘master healer’, this crystal, with its multifaceted faces is thought to bring balance, along with amplifying and energising. 

BEST ANTI-AGING POWERS: EMERALD 

Emerald in skincare is thought to boost collagen production, prevent loss of moisturize, and stimulate new cell formation. It can also repair damaged skin, even out skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 

BEST FOR PROTECTION: TOURMALINE 

Tourmaline energizes skin to improve cleansing efficacy and boost circulation. It’s thought to protect against negative energies too. 

Best for attracting peace & prosperity: Sapphire 

This blue crystal can bring a sense of calm, happiness, and prosperity. Sapphires stimulate the throat chakra, which can represent communication. It can also represent balance and tranquillity, and be a sign of wisdom and creativity. 

Best for a calm mind: Blue Sodalite 

Sodalite brings balance, order, and calm. It balances emotions and metabolism, boost the immune system, and encourages rational thought and objectivity. It enhances self-esteem and self-trust. 

IS CRYSTAL HEALING ALL IN OUR HEADS?  

The power of crystal healing might well be in our heads, but allowing yourself to take a minute to focus on them can make us more mindful, or help us find a minute of peace.  

Esthetician Marie Reynolds uses crystals daily, she hides a small selection in her bra and believes contact with the skin helps deliver the most benefits. “If you need a boost, just sitting holding a crystal in your hand for 20 minutes can help,” she says.  

From the looks of things, the crystal healing trend isn’t slowing down any time soon, and if the stars and skincare gurus are swearing by them, who are we to debate it?