A crystal therapist is a practitioner of a type of alternative therapy that uses crystals and gem stones to treat patients. The therapist will diagnose a patient’s problem and then select the appropriate crystal or stone and method of treatment. The crystals can be placed on or around the patient’s body, often in a pattern. They can also be incorporated into jewelry and worn, waived like a want to direct healing energy, or simply placed in a room with the patient. A crystal therapist can study the craft via online coursework, in workshops, or as part of a spa services degree.
Crystals and gem stones have long been valued as items with specific healing qualities, although there is no empirical scientific evidence to support this belief. In crystal therapy, certain gems and crystals are associated with specific chakras. For example, amethyst is believed to ease sinus and nasal congestion and calm the mind while affecting the third eye chakra. A ruby will supposedly affect the base chakra, allowing for contentedness, stability, and trust.
When treating a patient, a crystal therapist will use crystals primarily to cleanse the patient’s aura or for chakra purification. In a typical half hour to hour-long session, the patient usually lies down fully clothed while the therapist identifies the issue and selects the appropriate crystals and form of treatment. The crystals are thought to vibrate at certain frequencies that resonate with the body’s chakras and organs, thus diffusing healing energy. The treatment is akin to spiritual purification, helping to clear and calm the mind as well as reduce pain and relieve many other health problems.
In order to successfully treat a patient, a crystal therapist must become sensitive to the different causes of common complaints. If a patient complains of migraines, the therapist must first determine if the pain is stress-related or caused by something else, such as diet or chakra blockage. Each treatment will therefore be unique to each patient, requiring a personalized blend of crystals. To achieve this, a crystal therapist must be intimately familiar with the characteristics of healing gems and crystals and how to use them.
There are several ways for a crystal therapist to treat a patient with crystals or gem stones. Usually, the therapist will place the chosen crystal or gem on the part of the body that corresponds to the targeted chakra. For example, rose quartz is associated with the heart chakra, affecting breathing and circulation, and may be placed on the upper chest. Crystals can also be arranged around the patient’s body in a pattern to help create an enveloping healing energy field.
Another treatment option is to wear a healing crystal or gem stone as part of a piece of jewelry. The therapist can also ask the patient to hold specific crystals during a treatment session. In some cases, the therapist may use a crystal as a wand or otherwise direct its energy at the patient.
In the United States, there is no one regulatory or governing body or umbrella organization for crystal therapy. Anyone wishing to practice as a crystal therapist can enroll in an online course or in a workshop. This training varies significantly in length and breadth from a few days to several years. Crystal therapy training may also be part of a massage therapy license or other spa services degree program. Typically, a crystal therapist will work in a spa or natural healing facility but can also practice solo.
