Healing Properties of Stones

For centuries cultures spanning the globe have used stones to treat virtually every ailment, whether physical, psychological or spiritual. From Aristotle to Pliny the Elder, famous historical figures have documented the healing properties of stones, encouraging the use of gems and crystals in treatment regimens.Today, stones remain popular tools for alleviating a variety of conditions and for promoting general well-being.

History

• Both physical and written records highlight the use of stones as an ancient healing modality. Amber, for instance, has a medicinal history weaving through a number of early populations---including the Egyptians, Romans, Assyrians, Phoenicians and Greeks---and emerald gained renown among the Babylonians, Incas, Mayans and Aztecs for its healing qualities. During the medieval era, healers such as abbess Hildegard von Bingen employed gems for treating diseases, assigning specific stones for particular symptoms. Age-old uses of gemstones as healing agents survive today in the realm of holistic and alternative medicine.

Mechanisms

• The belief that stones can promote healing stems from an energy-based view of the body and earth. According to Linda Sands, a registered nurse who also uses gemstones as healing therapy, stones can balance the body's energy fields; at the atomic level, a gem's constant vibrational rate removes energy blockages and helps put an out-of-sync body back into harmony. Because gems emerged millions---sometimes billions---of years ago under the brutal heat and pressure of natural forces, some people believe they are concentrated sources of the earth's energy, making them strong conduits and clarifiers for healing power.

Uses

• From headaches to depression, stones can assuage a variety of ailments---and each type of gem has a specific set of benefits. Quartz, including smoky and rose varieties, is a common alternative treatment for circulatory problems, anger and mental tension. Amethyst soothes headaches and helps remedy blood sugar imbalances, and some people use topaz to increase a poor appetite, stimulate the endocrine system and achieve emotional balance. When it comes to improving kidney function and battling anemia, some holistic health practitioners prescribe hematite. Even "common" stones such as granite have healing properties, including the ability to strengthen hair and improve conditions targeting the head and face. Dozens of other stones offer their own unique healing qualities.

Shapes

• Along with a stone's geological type, its shape may also play a role in healing. When polished into a sphere, gems may become better channels for energetic healing than when left raw. Some healing professionals believe that a spherical shape allows a stone to fully radiate its energy, which enhances its usefulness as a therapeutic tool. As a result, sculpted and polished gemstones might be more effective than their crudely-cut counterparts when it comes to treating ailments.

Warning

• Although stones have a firm anecdotal reputation as healing tools, their effectiveness is less certain within the scientific realm. Very few clinical trials or studies have tested the medicinal impact of stones. If you have a serious health condition or illness, consult with a medical professional to determine your best course of action; if you want to integrate alternative therapies into your treatment, use gems and crystals as a supplemental plan.