Should you Believe in Healing Crystals?
I’ve always been a skeptic, but here’s what the research says
I keep two small crystals on my desk at work. Or two rocks, depending on how you look at things. One is there for positivity and one helps to complete projects.
This is pretty unexpected for someone whose tendency is to be initially skeptical about most things. I value science and research, and usually wait to learn as much as I can about something before jumping on board.
But when it comes to crystals, I’ve spent my hard-earned money without a second thought, and for no other reason than they’re colorful and fun.
There’s been a lot of secular hype about crystals over the past few years. And like a game of telephone, the truth about healing crystals becomes more watered-down every time it’s categorized as a wacky wellness trend or sold on the Goop website.
Let’s get to the bottom of these crystals. Should I be meditating on them? What’s true? What’s a bunch of bullshit?
What are crystals all about?
Protective stones have been pervasive in historical and religious references for thousands of years — taking the forms of talismans and amulets. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese cultures (and several others) all made jewelry and used stones for health and protection.
During the 1980s, with the development of the New Age culture, healing crystals came back into fashion. This time around, religion was downplayed, and this movement was brought right into the mainstream.
Today, the National Institute of Health categorizes crystal healing as “complementary” or “alternative” medicine (it’s complementary if used in conjunction with conventional medicine, alternative if used in place of).
It’s claimed that crystals can affect and heal a variety of areas, including, but not limited to:
- protection from negative energy
- promote focus
- boost self-confident
- aid in digestion
- stimulate the immune system
So what’s true?
Crystals produce energy
Some crystals can produce energy through a process called piezoelectricity. Most people are familiar with watches powered by quartz, but the process of using crystals to create an electric current is pretty widespread in modern electronics. Lots of speakers, radios, and even electric cigarette lighters use this technology.
Piezoelectricity is the ability of a material to generate an internal electric field when subjected to mechanical stress or strain¹
There is absolutely a potential for crystals to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. However, it’s important to distinguish that this happens when pressure is applied between two metal plates tied up to a circuit, not when you roll a crystal around in your hand.
Meditation is scientifically proven
Meditation is very well-studied, and there are tons of great articles about the benefits of a regular meditation practice. ‘Some research suggests that practicing meditation may reduce blood pressure, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression, and insomnia.² ” Even short meditations of only five minutes are effective at stress relief.
The National Institute of Health lists four elements that most types of meditation have in common: a quiet location, a comfortable posture, a focus of attention, and an open attitude.
Related to crystals, this could mean:
- Some of the benefits of meditation are the same as the claimed benefits for crystal healing.
- It might be possible to meditate on a crystal, even for a short period of time, and see some similar benefits of other types of meditation.
- Having an open attitude (or believing in crystals) might help you see positive results.
What’s probably true?
The placebo effect
When thinking of clinical trials, we typically think of a blind-test, where one group gets a drug and the other group gets a placebo. This eliminates all other factors and measures how well the drug works.
But, even if people know they’re receiving a placebo, it can still be effective! In a 2014 study, one group took a migraine pill labeled with the drug’s name, one group took a placed labeled “placebo”, and one group took nothing. The pill labeled “placebo” was 50% as effective as the real drug³. It’s not totally understood, but feeling like you’re receiving some level of care and attention may contribute to helping you feel physically better.
“When you look at these studies that compare drugs with placebos, there is the entire environmental and ritual factor at work” — Ted Kaptchuk of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Spiritualism is good for you
Prayer isn’t scientifically studied as routinely as meditation, but could be considered meditation-adjacent and provide some of the same benefits. There are also correlations between prayer and happiness as well as between being religious and living longer.
Related to crystals, this could mean:
- Even if you know healing crystals are a placebo, they could still make you feel physically better.
- Engaging in other healthful rituals in conjunction with crystals could help you see positive results.
What’s absolutely not true?
Magical powers
Crystals, in and of themselves, can not do anything to your body. They are not superstitious or magical objects.
Unregulated claims
Crystals can not heal diseases. That’s what doctors and medicine do. Complementary and alternative medicine aren’t largely regulated, so any health claims likely haven’t been reviewed by medical professionals.
A reminder that crystal stores and websites are businesses trying to sell as many crystals, books, and classes as possible. Nothing wrong with that, but they do prioritize making a profit.
And just like with anything else, there’s always the potential for false claims and misinformation. Anyone with a credit card and $20 can make a website claiming whatever they want.
Where I land on crystals
So back to those two rocks I keep on my desk…
I believe in the intention behind the crystals, rather than the crystals having any power. I also believe crystals are more useful for positivity and goal-setting than for physical healing.
The shop where I bought my crystals provided the following descriptions:
- Pyrite (fool’s gold) — encourages the completion of projects and acts as a cheerleader seeing you through to the finish
- Smoky Quartz — clears the way for positive thoughts, propelling you toward your goals
These crystals spoke to me because sometimes it’s really hard to write that last email or do that one simple thing I’ve been avoiding all day. I find myself needing an occasional boost of encouragement.
They aren’t magical. Some mornings I roll them over in my hand, one at a time, and think about how I want my workday to be full of positive thoughts and how good it would feel to check off every item on my to-do list. Sometimes after doing that, I listen to filthy rap and text my friends for 45 minutes before finally starting my workday.
Do I think these crystals “work”?
No! I do the work to achieve things in my life.
But I love looking at them and holding them while on conference calls or when I’m thinking throughout the workday. If a colleague asks about them, I can explain their meaning in a few words.
They’re a beautiful and tangible reminder of my intentions for positivity.
Sources:
¹Fleischer, C. (2020). How Piezoelectricity Works. Retrieved May 25, 2020, from https://www.autodesk.com/products/eagle/blog/piezoelectricity/
²Meditation: In Depth. (n.d.). Retrieved May 25, 2020, from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation-in-depth
³The power of the placebo effect. (2019, August 9). Retrieved May 25, 2020, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mental-health/the-power-of-the-placebo-effect
⁴Ducharme, J. (2018, February 15). You Asked: Do Religious People Live Longer? Retrieved May 25, 2020, from https://time.com/5159848/do-religious-people-live-longer/
Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name? (n.d.). Retrieved May 25, 2020, from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/complementary-alternative-or-integrative-health-whats-in-a-name
A Brief History of Crystals and Healing. (2020). Retrieved May 25, 2020, from https://www.crystalage.com/crystal_information/crystal_history/
