You’ve seen it on Instagram but what’s really behind #crystalhealing? Our Beauty Director Liz Hambleton sat down with author of The Power Of Crystal Healing, Emma Lucy Knowles to get to grips with those questions we all really want answered…
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1 Er, how does crystal healing work?
‘To strip it right back, Crystals are used to assist in the flow of energy – we are made of energy, and its about harnessing a good flow and getting rid of the perceived ‘bad’. The main idea is to draw out negative energy and heighten the good to enhance all areas of your life.'
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2 And they do this how?
‘Crystals have their own energy field, they also have the ability to draw in and pull out energy through this filter and so do we. By setting an intention (something specific you want to feel/achieve/change) particular crystals, with different frequencies they can be used to amplify this, or help you feel the way you wish to.’
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3 Any science to back this up?
‘It’s safe to say that they’re not entirely popular in the scientific sector – but that doesn’t dilute its validity for me at all. There's no denying their energy, certain crystals such as Quartz have long been used in technology for their natural ability to turn mechanical energy into electrical signals. Life is all about adding in to our routine all that supports us – and crystals can be used to support you during happy times and also painful ones, just as science does.'
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4 Where do they come from?
‘Crystals are formed based on environment, pressure, temperature, science – they are a solid material whose make-up consists of and is formed by a repetitive pattern of atoms, ions and molecules, building up layer upon layer. Effectively Crystals soak up the land around them, their natural environment and they grow – I like to think of them as impenetrable flowers of nature – named by the Grecians who when exploring the Alps – believed they’d stumbled upon the most almighty lumps of frozen water which could never be melted!’
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5 What do you do with them? Hold them? Carry them?
‘Crystals are powerful wherever they’re placed but whats most effective is setting them or programming them with an intention…what do you want it to do, to help you do or promote? It sounds funny, but my personal belief is that you should communicate with them, hold them and create a daily practice.’
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6 So it's a little like meditating then?
'Yes I suppose you could say that – its a practice that helps you focus in and feel out. There’s so many arts and forms of mediation – just like crystals, again we all have our own practice – that doesn’t mean you have to be sat crossed legged in stillness, it could be taking a run or listening to music…Crystals can be used in meditation or mindfully – the main principles here is focus and feeling to ensure a feel good!'
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7 Is it true that they can help to fend off negative vibes from draining people?!
‘Your energy goes where your attention flows – and we also attract like for like. Crystals can’t get rid of draining people in your life, but they can help to dissolve the bad vibes. Blue Lace Agate is the crystal to work with here to help hold you strong and sponge out the negative connections.’
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8 Can you use them in your beauty and health regime?
‘Absolutely – jade rollers are used to stimulate and energise the skins regeneration. If I have a skin inflammation or a spot breakout that’s usually linked to a hormonal shift or an emotional effect on the body, I use crystals to soften the root cause or stress – rose quartz here is a gem.’
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9 How do you look after them?
‘Charging and cleansing is super important – we have to think of them as an extension of ourself.. so if you’ve had a seemingly ‘bad day’ you would probably consider sweating it out in the gym or soaking it off in the bath, or in the shower, you do what feels right…your crystal friends are no different.'
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10 What are the costs of crystals? How much should we expect to pay for them?
‘For the smaller tumble stones palm you will be looking at paying upwards of £2 – the palm stones and wands will be at a starting price of £5-£8. Of course, the rarity of the stone will impact the price and for larger pieces, I would expect to be charged by the weight.’