How to Use Aromatherapy Crystals for Healing

What are Healing Crystals and How Do They Work?

Healing crystals have been used for thousands of years by ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, Sumerians, Romans and Greeks. These special gemstones are said to work by emitting vibrational energies that interact with the body's energy field. Crystals can also be used to alter mindset in a way that's similar to meditation.

What are the Best Healing Crystals?

There are dozens of types of healing crystals to try, each with its own special properties and benefits. Some of the most popular stones and their uses include:

• Amethyst for peacefulness

• Garnet for confidence

• Pearl for digestive and heart health

• Rose quartz for love

• Moonstone for balance and mood disorders

• Aquamarine for dental and eye health

• Amber for headaches and illnesses

• Obsidian for protection against negative energy

• Agate for balance and self-confidence

• Fluorite for decision making

• Hematite for courage and willpower

How to Choose Healing Crystals

Healing crystal quality is graded in seven categories:

• Color: Gemstones should be the appropriate color for their type with no muddiness or undesirable shades.

• Character: A crystal's character or nature is determined by its unique makeup of mineral components.

• Cut: A crystal's shape affects its healing properties. Gemstones should be free of nicks and cuts for best results. Spheres must be perfectly round and have no flat spots.

• Clarity: Gems should not be cloudy or contain any imperfections.

• Candescence: Crystals with good candescence have an optical quality that makes them sparkle like a liquid drop of color.

• Cleanliness: Gemstones must be free of kerosene, irradiation and dyes, as these impurities affect healing properties.

• Consistency: This quality is most important for strings of crystals, such as bracelets and necklaces. Gems should be of similar shape and size.

Crystals must meet quality levels in all categories for best healing results. The shape of a crystal is also important, as each shape is used for different healing purposes. Common shapes include:

• Sphere: Emits healing from all sides

• Point: Used to direct energy toward a specific location

• Pyramid: Directs energy up toward the heavens

• Tumbled: Best for placing on chakras or carrying as talismans

• Cube: Has grounding energy for balance and calm

How to Use Healing Crystals

There are several ways to use crystals depending on the type of healing one wants to achieve. Crystals can be worn as jewelry or held in a pocket to ward off negative energies and enjoy therapeutic effects throughout the day. Many people like to use healing crystals as décor to promote peace, calm and positive energy in the home.

Healing crystals may also be used in massage therapy. Some of the most commonly used gemstones for massage therapy include:

• Tiger Iron: This grounding stone is used for stamina, energy and strength. It also improves mental clarity, creative expression and willpower.

• Aventurine: This crystal boosts feelings of optimism, self-worth and confidence. It can be used to open one's mind to new possibilities and opportunities.

• Rose Quartz: This stone is associated with feelings of love. It encourages forgiveness and compassion, allowing users to let go of their bitterness and anger towards others.

Healing crystals may be placed on specific areas of the body, called chakras, to unblock energy and combat negative thoughts. Placing crystals in certain areas of the home is also said to promote chakra healing. Below, find a list of chakra zones and how to use crystals for each.

• Root: Located at the base of the spine. Place stones on the feet or groin, or put crystals in the corners of the home for protection.

• Sacral: Located below the navel. Put crystals near the pelvic area or a place in the home that's used for creativity, such as an office or hobby room.

• Solar plexus: Located below the breast bone. Rest stones on the navel or put in rooms with water, such as a bathroom.

• Heart: Located in the center of the chest. Place crystals near the heart or in a meaningful room, such as a bedroom or family room.

• Throat: Located above the collar bone. Put gemstones close to the neck or in a room where communication occurs, such as the living room.

• Third eye: Located above the eyebrows. Put stones on the forehead or in a room with spiritual meaning.

• Crown: Located above the head. Put crystals on top of the head or in a spiritual area of the home, such as a prayer room.

Using Aromatherapy with Healing Crystals

The power of crystals can be boosted by using them alongside aromatherapy.

Essential oils and aromatherapy crystals to try include:

• Citrine with lemon or orange to boost creativity

• Amethyst with cypress or sage to promote spiritual healing

• Selenite with jasmine or lavender for relaxation

• Amazonite with valerian or rose to release trauma

• Lapis lazuli with basil or black spruce for self-expression

• Clear quartz with peppermint or cinnamon for manifesting desires

When used with essential oils, crystals offer a more powerful way to heal the body, mind and soul.