Crystal Therapy

What Is Crystal Therapy?

Last Edited: Nov 2025

Crystal therapy, also called crystal healing, is an alternative healing practice that uses crystals and gemstones to support physical, emotional, mental, energetic, and spiritual wellbeing. The practice is based on the belief that crystals hold their own unique frequencies and vibrations that can interact with your body's energy, helping to balance, clear blockages, and promote healing.

When you work with crystals, the theory goes that these precious stones contain electrical properties and can retain information. Different crystals are believed to hold different healing qualities depending on their colour, formation, mineral composition, and the energy they've been associated with across cultures and centuries. By placing crystals on or around your body, wearing them, meditating with them, or incorporating them into your living space, you're working with their vibrational properties to support your wellbeing.

This doesn't mean crystals will replace medical care. Rather, they're considered a complementary therapy that supports your overall health and balance alongside conventional treatment and other holistic practices.

The Long History of Crystal Healing

Crystal healing isn't some trendy wellness fad. It's one of humanity's oldest healing practices. The history stretches back at least 4,000 years, possibly much further. The ancient Sumerians in Mesopotamia used crystals in their magical formulas, and Baltic amber pendants have been traced back 60,000 years.

Ancient Egyptians were among the earliest and most sophisticated users of healing crystals. They used lapis lazuli, turquoise, and carnelian for protection and health. Ground malachite served as eye shadow, whilst topaz was used against nightmares and evil spirits. Lapis was even made into a poultice and rubbed into the crown of the head to take away spiritual impurities. Pharaohs wore malachite in their headdresses to assist in ruling wisely.

In Chinese medicine, crystals were used to balance the body's energy, known as Qi or Chi. Jade, for example, was considered to contain the concentrated essence of love and was believed to promote longevity. In ancient India, astrological documents dating back to 400 B.C. contained information about crystals' ability to counteract negative effects of planetary positions.

Native American cultures, including the Hopi tribe, used turquoise to enhance spiritual communication and promote healing, whilst the Navajo tribe used black onyx to protect against negative energies. Mayans used obsidian to make ceremonial knives and believed it sharpened inner and outer vision.

The modern crystal healing movement took shape much later. Crystal healing gained significant popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s alongside New Age culture. Unlike ancient civilisations that wove crystals into religious practice, contemporary crystal healing exists independently of any specific religion or belief system, making it accessible to anyone regardless of their spiritual background.

How Crystal Therapy Works: The Theory

Crystal therapy operates on the premise that crystals emit subtle energetic vibrations that interact with your body's own energy field. According to practitioners, your body contains energy centres and pathways, and when these become blocked or imbalanced, physical illness, emotional distress, or spiritual disconnection can follow.

Different crystals are thought to vibrate at specific frequencies that correspond to different states of health and consciousness. Clear quartz, for instance, is believed to amplify energy and promote mental clarity. Rose quartz is associated with love, compassion, and emotional healing. Amethyst connects to calm and spiritual awareness. Each crystal's purported properties relate to its colour, structure, and the ancient associations cultures have developed with it over time.

When you work with a crystal, whether by placing it on your body, carrying it, meditating with it, or positioning it in your space, the theory suggests its vibration helps recalibrate your energy. This might release blockages, promote relaxation, support emotional processing, or enhance spiritual connection depending on which crystal you're using and what you're working with.

It's important to note that whilst many people report experiencing benefits from crystal therapy, scientific evidence for specific healing mechanisms remains limited. People often attribute their positive experiences to the properties of the crystals themselves, though researchers point out that expectation, intuition, and the placebo effect likely play significant roles in how people experience crystal work.

Different Crystals and Their Associations

Each crystal carries its own set of associations and traditional uses. Here are some commonly used ones:

Clear quartz is one of the most versatile crystals. It's believed to amplify energy, enhance clarity of thought, and support healing across all systems. Many people use it as an all-purpose stone because of its adaptability.

Amethyst is a purple crystal traditionally associated with calming energy, stress relief, and spiritual growth. Ancient Greek and Roman cultures particularly valued amethyst and believed it protected against intoxication.

Rose quartz is the soft pink stone often called the stone of love. It's used to promote self-love, compassion, forgiveness, and emotional healing. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used rose quartz, believing in its ability to promote love and harmony.

Amethyst promotes relaxation and relieves stress. Black tourmaline is believed to provide protection and ground excessive energy. Citrine is associated with abundance and positive energy. Smoky quartz supposedly helps release fear and negative patterns. Lapis lazuli connects to intuition and spiritual enlightenment. Jade is traditionally linked to healing, longevity, and good luck.

The list goes on. Hundreds of crystals exist, each with its own traditional associations. Your choice often depends on what you're trying to support in your life and which stones you feel drawn to.

What to Expect in a Crystal Therapy Session

During a crystal therapy session, you'll typically lie down or sit comfortably whilst a trained practitioner works with you. Before beginning, they'll ask about your intentions, any health concerns you'd like to address, and what you're hoping to achieve. This conversation helps them understand your unique needs and select appropriate crystals.

The practitioner then places various crystals on or around your body. They might place them on specific chakra points, arrange them in grids around you, or hold them and move them through your energy field. Some practitioners use crystal pendulums to identify your vibrational signature and choose crystals matching your energy, whilst others rely on intuition and knowledge of crystal properties.

During the session itself, you might feel various sensations. Warmth is common. Tingling, gentle pulsing, or a sense of energy moving through your body can happen. Many people describe feeling deeply relaxed, sometimes drifting into a meditative state. Emotional releases aren't uncommon either. You might find yourself crying, feeling emotions rise, or experiencing insights. All of this is considered part of the healing process.

Sessions typically last 60 to 90 minutes. After your practitioner removes the crystals, they usually recommend drinking plenty of water and resting to allow your system to integrate the work. You might feel energised, deeply peaceful, or tired as your body processes the session.

The number of sessions you'd need varies. Some people experience significant shifts after one session. Others work with a practitioner regularly, perhaps monthly or weekly, depending on their goals and what they're addressing.

Using Crystals in Your Daily Life

You don't need to book professional sessions to benefit from crystal work. Many people incorporate crystals into their daily self-care routines in simple, accessible ways.

Carrying a crystal with you is one of the easiest practices. Choose a stone that resonates with you or addresses something you're currently working on. Rose quartz for self-love, black tourmaline for grounding and protection, or clear quartz for mental clarity. Slip it into your pocket or bag. Some people wear crystal jewellery, keeping their chosen stone close throughout the day. The idea is that simply carrying the crystal's energy supports your intention.

Setting an intention with your crystal amplifies the work. Before carrying or using your crystal, hold it, take a few deep breaths, and clearly state what you're inviting that stone's energy to support. Maybe it's "I welcome more calm and peace into my life" or "I'm open to giving myself compassion and care." This focused intention activates the crystal's purpose in your life.

Placing crystals around your home or workspace creates energetic support in your environment. Many people keep a piece of black tourmaline by their front door for protection, rose quartz in their bedroom for love and calm, or clear quartz on their desk for clarity and focus. Some arrange crystals specifically to clear stagnant energy or invite particular vibrations into a space.

Meditation with crystals deepen the practice. Hold a crystal in your hand whilst meditating, place one on your heart centre, or arrange several crystals around your meditation space. The crystal's energy combines with your meditative awareness, often creating deeper relaxation and more profound experiences.

Crystal grids involve arranging multiple crystals in a specific geometric pattern to amplify their combined energy. You'd typically place a central crystal (often clear quartz, which amplifies other crystals) and surround it with other stones arranged in a pattern that feels sacred or intentional to you. Some people create grids for specific intentions like healing, abundance, or protection, and leave them in place for several weeks or months.

Crystal baths offer another accessible approach. Place your cleansed crystals in your bath water (ensuring they're water-safe, as some crystals dissolve or release toxins in water) and soak whilst the crystal's energy infuses the water. Some people add crystals to shower gels or body oils instead. The warmth and water carry the crystal's vibration against your skin.

Crystal elixirs and sprays are made by placing crystals in water or a carrier oil and allowing the stone's energy to infuse the liquid. You'd use this around your home, in your workspace, or even on your skin to carry the crystal's energy throughout your day. Some people add crystal elixirs to their drinking water, though this requires ensuring your crystals are safe for internal use (some leach heavy metals).

Combining Crystals with Other Practices

Crystals work beautifully alongside other complementary therapies. Many practitioners combine crystal therapy with chakra balancing, using specific crystals aligned to each of the seven main chakras. Each chakra corresponds to different body systems, emotions, and spiritual aspects, and particular crystals are traditionally associated with each one.

Crystals complement aromatherapy naturally. You might combine lavender essential oil with amethyst for deep relaxation, or rose quartz with rose oil for enhanced emotional healing. The vibrations combine, creating more comprehensive support.

Reiki practitioners often incorporate crystals into their sessions. Placing crystals on the body during Reiki treatment or arranging them around the treatment space amplifies the healing energy. Since both work with subtle vibrations and energy flow, they support each other well.

Acupuncture and crystal therapy also pair effectively. Some practitioners place crystals at acupuncture points to enhance the needle's effects, or position crystals nearby to support the energy work.

Many people use crystals as part of their yoga practice, placing stones on chakras during restorative poses or carrying them through their practice.

Crystals also complement conventional medical care. If you're undergoing any medical treatment or dealing with health concerns, crystals can support your overall wellbeing and emotional state alongside your doctor's care. They're not a replacement for medical treatment, but a supportive tool you can use.

Caring for Your Crystals

Crystals need regular cleansing because they're believed to absorb energy from their environment and from people who handle them. Various cleansing methods exist. Running water cleanses most crystals, though some dissolve in water so you'll need to know which are water-safe. Salt water works for harder stones. Smudging with sage or palo santo smoke purifies crystals. Placing crystals in moonlight, especially under a full moon, recharges and cleanses them. Earth burial for several hours or overnight grounds and resets crystal energy. Sound cleansing using singing bowls or bells vibrates stuck energy away.

Charging your crystals after cleansing sets them up to work powerfully for you. Placing crystals in sunlight charges them with solar energy. Moonlight, especially during full moons, charges them with lunar energy. You can also charge crystals with your intention by holding them, visualising them filled with light or energy, and stating your purpose clearly.

Many practitioners recommend cleansing new crystals before using them for the first time. Once you've been using a crystal regularly, monthly cleansing keeps it vibrationally clear and effective.

Safety, Cautions, and Important Information

Crystal therapy is generally considered safe and non-invasive, but there are some important considerations. Purchase high-quality, authentic, and ethically sourced crystals when possible. Mining practices can be harmful to the environment and to workers. Supporting ethical suppliers matters.

Some crystals contain heavy metals or toxic minerals and shouldn't be used in drinking water or ingested in any form. Shungite, for example, frequently contains heavy metals. Research any crystal before creating elixirs meant for consumption.

Be cautious about using crystals during pregnancy. Whilst some crystals are considered safe and even beneficial during pregnancy, others aren't recommended. Work with a knowledgeable practitioner if you're pregnant and interested in crystal work.

Most importantly, crystal therapy should never replace appropriate medical care. If you're experiencing health concerns, see your doctor. Use crystals as a complementary support to your medical treatment, not as a substitute for it. This applies especially to serious medical conditions, mental health crises, or any situation requiring professional medical evaluation.

The Scientific Perspective

It's important to acknowledge that scientific evidence for crystal healing remains limited. There is no peer-reviewed scientific evidence that crystal healing has any effect beyond placebo, and it's considered a pseudoscience. When researchers conducted studies comparing real crystals with identical-looking placebo stones, participants reported typical "crystal effects" regardless of whether they held real or fake crystals.

This doesn't mean people don't genuinely experience benefits from crystal work. It suggests that those benefits might arise from placebo effect, the power of intention and focused attention, the meditative aspects of crystal practice, the beauty and positive associations the stones inspire, and confirmation bias where people notice effects that confirm their beliefs.

For many people, this doesn't diminish crystal therapy's value. Whether the mechanism is purely energetic, purely psychological, or some combination doesn't change the fact that engaging with crystals can create meaningful shifts in how people feel, think, and experience their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between crystal therapy and crystal jewellery?

Crystal therapy involves intentional, therapeutic work with stones, either during professional sessions or structured personal practices. You're engaging with the crystal's energy with specific healing intentions. Crystal jewellery is wearing stones for their beauty, aesthetic appeal, or casual energy support. That said, jewellery can absolutely be therapeutic if you wear it with intention. The key difference is deliberateness and focused purpose. You can wear a crystal necklace purely because it's beautiful, or you can wear it with the intention of inviting that crystal's energy into your day. Both are valid, they're just different approaches.

Can crystal therapy help with specific health conditions?

Crystal practitioners believe crystals can support various conditions including chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, skin conditions, and more. However, crystals shouldn't replace medical treatment for any condition. If you're dealing with a health concern, consult your doctor. Use crystal therapy as complementary support alongside professional care, not as a substitute for it.

How do I choose which crystal to work with?

Many practitioners recommend trusting your intuition. Walk through a crystal shop and notice which stones you're drawn to. Sometimes you feel an immediate pull toward a particular stone. You might be drawn by colour, by how the stone feels in your hand, or simply by seeing it. Let your intuition guide you. Alternatively, you can research crystals and their traditional associations, then choose based on what you're trying to support in your life. If you want to cultivate more calm, you might choose amethyst. For love and self-compassion, rose quartz. For grounding and protection, black tourmaline. Combining intuition with research gives you the best approach.

How often should I cleanse my crystals?

This varies depending on how heavily you're using them. If you carry a crystal daily or use it frequently, monthly cleansing keeps it energetically clear. If you use crystals occasionally, cleansing every few months works fine. Some practitioners cleanse more frequently, especially if their crystals are in high-use therapeutic settings. Trust your instinct. You might even ask your crystal how often it wants cleansing. Many people report feeling when a crystal needs care.

Are all crystals safe to use in water?

No. Some crystals dissolve in water, whilst others contain minerals that leach into water and can be toxic. Hard crystals like quartz, amethyst, and rose quartz are generally water-safe. Softer crystals like selenite, calcite, and halite dissolve in water. Crystals containing heavy metals shouldn't be used in water meant for consumption. Always research any crystal before placing it in water, especially if you're making an elixir you'll drink.

How do I find a qualified crystal therapy practitioner?

Look for practitioners with specific training in crystal therapy or related modalities like energy healing or chakra balancing. Ask about their experience, training, and approach. During an initial consultation, notice whether they listen carefully, answer your questions clearly, and whether you feel comfortable with them. The practitioner-client relationship matters. You want to work with someone you trust. Be cautious of practitioners making unrealistic promises or claiming crystals will cure serious diseases. Responsible practitioners frame crystal therapy as supportive and complementary, never as a replacement for medical care.

Finding qualified practitioners can be challenging since crystal therapy isn't regulated the way some other therapies are. Bodhi Holistic Hub provides carefully vetted and verified crystal therapy and chakra balancing practitioners, giving you confidence that you're working with trained professionals. You can browse practitioner profiles, learn about their experience and approach, and book sessions directly through the platform.

Can I use crystals if I'm also taking medication?

Yes. Crystal therapy is considered safe to use alongside medication. However, crystals aren't a substitute for prescribed medication. Keep taking any medications your doctor has recommended unless they advise otherwise. If you're working with a practitioner using crystals alongside medication, ensure your doctor knows about all your care. Coordinated care works best.

How much does crystal therapy typically cost in Australia?

In Australia, crystal therapy sessions typically range from $80 to $180 depending on the practitioner's experience, qualifications, location, and session length. Initial consultations sometimes cost less or are offered free. Sessions incorporating additional therapies like chakra balancing or massage might cost more. Some practitioners offer package deals for multiple sessions, reducing the per-session cost. Check whether your private health insurance provides rebates for crystal therapy or related energy healing services. Coverage varies between funds.

References and Further Reading

Professional Organisations

• Australian Holistic Healers and Counsellors Association (AHHCA)
• Affiliation of Crystal Healing Organisations (ACHO) 
• International Association of Energy Therapists (IAET)

Research and Information Resources

• The Mineralogical Society
• Smithsonian Magazine - Healing Crystals
• NCBI PubMed Central

Educational Resources

• "The Crystal Bible" by Judy Hall
• "The Modern Guide To Crystal Healing" by Philip Permutt
• "Love Is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals" by Melody
• Introduction to Healing Crystals - Bodhi Holistic Hub

Related Modalities

• Reiki – Japanese energy healing practice that often incorporates crystals to amplify healing effects.
• Colour Therapy – Use of colours and light frequencies to support healing, complementary to crystal work since crystals are chosen partly for their colours.
• Energy Healing – Broad category of healing practices working with subtle energy, often incorporating crystals.
• Aromatherapy – Use of essential oils that pairs naturally with crystal therapy for enhanced effects.

This guide was written by the Bodhi Holistic Hub team according to their editorial policy.