What to expect from Crystal Healing - My Session with a Sussex Crystal Therapist
74Celestite
Crystal Therapy- Tapping into the Power of Gems
The crystals and gems in Karin's box were shiny and pleasing to look at. 'This one is an emerald', she said, holding out a greenish stone which looked a lot like the pebbles of green glass I sometimes find on the beach. 'It's a low-grade one, not gem quality, so it hasn't been polished,' she added quickly, seeing my puzzled expression.
'This one is a garnet, and this is turquoise.' her long, graceful fingers selected the stones, and she held them out for me to examine, one by one. Some of the stones were tiny nuggets of coloured rock, whilst others were larger, either polished and clear, or milkily opaque. As she quietly explained their properties and uses I began to glimpse their potential. After all, watchmakers have incorporated jewels in the movements of timepieces for centuries, and modern day manufacturers rely on the piezo-electric charge provided by quartz to ensure the accuracy of watches and clocks, and even computers. Crystals of sapphire are also an essential feature in some extremely high tech laser equipment.
So why should I be surprised that they might have therapeutic properties too?
A quick guide to some common crystals and their uses
Amethyst
Amethyst is said to relieve headaches and release tension. In crystal healing it is sometimes used to help reduce addictions.
Aquamarine
Aquamarine ranges in colour from blue to blue-green. Sailors and fishermen used to carry Aquamarine to protect them against drowning. It is said to sharpen perception, instil courage and assist you in staying focused in difficult situations.
Emerald
Emerald is said to re-energise the body, improve the memory, and calm the emotiions. It is used to promote friendship, and enhance relationships. In healing it is used to help ease joint pain and to soothe the eyes
Garnet
Garnet promotes good health and vitality. Ancient warriors set garnets into their shields to give protection in battle. It can be used to bring courage and help strengthen resolve.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli has a deep blue colour flecked with white and gold. It is thought to aid clear thinking and enables self-knowledge. It can be used to enhance psychic ability and help in overcoming depression.
Peridot
This pretty, clear, green stone is believed to rejuvenate the whole body. It is used to improve self-confidence and to soothe the emotions. It is traditionally used as a protective stone for the aura.
Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz is a translucent or transparent pink crystal and is said to encourage forgiveness, sooth burns and skin complaints, and assist in healing chest, lung, kidney and adrenal problems. Rose Quartz is also believed to enhance fertlity.
Tigers Eye
Tiger's Eye is a stone of protection and can encourage a sense of self-worth and self-confidence. It is said to give unleash creativity and attract good fortune in all endeavours.
Turquoise
Said to be beneficial for the throat and the voice, turquoise is used to assist clarity of creative expression.
Turquoise
A net of gemstones
Before I met Karin Lumpe I had very little conception of what a crystal therapist was, and no idea at all of what a crystal therapy session might involve. As a trained hypnotherapist myself, I'm very open to the idea of alternative healing methods, but having said that, crystal therapy had always seemed a bit far out even for me. When Karin first suggested that I might visit her for a therapy session I was reluctant to say the least.
Karin, however, is a persuasive character. Quite apart from being a very clever and interesting lady in her own right, she also has an impressive knowledge of healing therapies. She has studied and practised Ayurvedic Face Massage, Bach Remedies and Reiki, and has a regular and enthusiastic client base, mainly in the Eastbourne, Polegate and Hailsham area of East Sussex.
The first thing to establish with any therapy session is what you hope to achieve from the treatment. Now we were on tricky ground here, because generally speaking I'm in good health, and I don't suffer from any major angst. On the whole I'm quite a practical, feet-on-the-ground kind of person. I wanted to experience crystal therapy out of sheer curiousity, even though initially there seemed little purpose to it. Karin was great, however, and she soon winkled out of me some work related concerns which needed resolution. At first I was sceptical. Although the gems and shiny stones in her box of crystals were very attractive, I couldn't see how they would help with my decision making.
Karin's therapy room has a comfy treatment couch which she invited me to lie down on. A hypnotic music CD played softly in the background, and Karin suggested that I close my eyes and relax. She spoke softly in a 'hypno voice' which made me smile, but soon had me very relaxed indeed.
Now the thing with crystal therapy is that, because you have your eyes closed, you have no idea what the therapist is doing. They could be off having a cuppa with their feet up for all you know, but I'm sure Karin was actually very busy. I was aware of her moving around me in a soft, unhurried way, and curiously, I had sensations of warmth and tingling in my hands, my feet, and my knees as she worked. Eventually, she gently brought me out of my trance by stroking my feet and saying my name. I sat up slowly, stretched and yawned. I felt as though I'd been for an afternoon nap. I felt totally refreshed.
Garnets and Emeralds
Apart from touching my feet at the end of the session Karin didn't actually make any physical contact with me, so I wasn't sure what she had been doing. All became clear, however, as she brought out the crystals she had been using to balance my energies and help clear my thought processes. Garnets, emeralds, and other stones had been laid around me, either on or beneath the treatment couch. She carefully explained why she had used each stone for her 'net', and what I might expect to experience as a result. Karin is a very sincere person, and I felt extremely buoyed up by her obvious confidence in the therapy.
Did it work?
As with any therapy or health treatment, including conventional medicine, you can never be entirely sure whether things would have improved on their own. But things have improved. There have been subtle changes, and I do have faith in Karin. She has great integrity, and is a good friend. My confidence in her healing abilities led me to visit her some months later with a very real physical symptom. I have periodic problems with one of my knees due to an old injury. As I've got older I've experienced an increasing amount of pain which comes and goes at random depending on the weather, and any excessive activity. This new session followed a similar pattern to the one described above, except that this time, Karin incorporated Bach remedies and colour therapy as well as some hands on healing. The relief that I experienced on this occassion was almost instant, and there really has been a dramatic improvement. So much so that I was able to go for a long hike with my son on Mothering Sunday, completely pain-free.
Royal Parade - Karin sees most of her clients in the Natural Fitness Centre in Eastbourne, East Sussex
The Natural Fitness Centre in Eastbourne
- The Natural Fitness Centre Eastbourne
Karin Lumpe may be contacted through the Natural Fitness Centre in Eastbourne, East Sussex.
More about crystals and their uses
- Natural Healing Powers of Gemstones - Myth or Scienc...
In ancient times, some cultures believed crystals had special natural healing properties. In addition to healing, crystals were also used to summon the dead, to learn about distant events and as way to tell... - Gemstone Meanings
Gemstone meanings were kind of taken over lately by the 'New Age' movement and the weird and wonderful, that attribute to them all kind of magical properties. Which is funny, because the history of gemstones, their cultural heritage and their use in
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CommentsLoading...
It is always best to be open-minded; I think. So I wouldn't dismiss this out of hand. Alternate treatments have been around a long time... Jury's still out for me.
Nice to hear from you. It's been a while. Happy holidays. Lynda
Hi Bob,
Merry Christmas to you. I've never heard of neutrons passing through us, but I've certainly seen unidentified flares of light on occassion, so maybe that's the explanation. I feel sure there are scientific explanations for many of life's mysteries, and no doubt that includes Crystal Therapy. After all, our ancestors would have been astonished by mobile phones, television, computers etc. Who knows what marvels we will be taking for granted in another century or so?
Hope you have a good Christmas. Season's greetings to you to!... Amanda
Hi Lynda, I'm very open to the idea of alternative therapies generally. Certainly Crystal Therapies have been around for centuries so there is a long tradition attached to them. I guess with all these things there is always an element of faith involved. The power of the mind has an enormous role to play in any form of healing.
Thanks for your Christmas message BTW. I enjoyed your video, though surely the two wrinklies at the end were acted by butt doubles?!!!! LOL! Hope you have a lovely Christmas, and a great New Year. Amanda.
Hi Amanda, You wrote about one of my favorite topics which is alternate healing and anything that is beyond the five senses. I have a book which is out of print, but can still be purchased from sellers at Amazon.com by Evelyn Monahan, "The Miracle of Metaphysical Healing", and this woman healed herself from blindness, paralyzes and a host of other conditions, simply by using the power of her mind. She was furious for years in being in the condition she was until she decided to do something methaphysical to address her illness; she figured she had nothing to lose. She went on to teach her methods at a University and to heal others; was interviewed on TV and profiled in Times Magazine (this was years ago), so, to me this gives her credibility.
Also read Bob's comment, wow, eggs? Probably true!
Enjoyed your hub!
Have a Merry Christmas!
Hi Marie, I've also heard stories of people who decide they no longer wish to live with sickness or disability, and somehow succeed in changing their condition through the power of their mind. A friend of mine came through lukemia despite a poor prognosis, after refusing further conventional treatment. She told me that she wanted to spend as long as possible with her three young children and something inside her told her that the best way to do that was through meditation and alternative remedies. Her friends and family were very concerned by her decision, but it proved to be the right one for her. She has seen her children become adults, and now has grand-children. She regards it as a miracle, but it was her own will power that brought it about.
Merry Christmas to you. I hope it's a good one for you and yours!
Hi Amanda those crystal therapists are too transparent for my liking ho ho.
Seriously though i do believe in alternative medicine, as the mind is an incredibly powerful force. Diamonds are a girl's best friend, so why shouldn't crystals be too. Cheers
Hi attempted humour, that joke reminds me of another along similar lines: why do fortune-tellers have transparent babies? I'll leave you to supply the punch-line!
Diamonds, of course, are very therapeutic to receive. I expect they probably have other properties also. I'll have to ask Karin when I next see her. Merry Christmas!
Amanda: Check out neutrons on Wiki...it's not hocus-pocus...Bob
I would dismiss anything which had been around for a centuries. Thank you for your very interesting hub.
Hi Amanda,
They say 'don't knock it till you've tried it', so I won’t knock it because I probably won't try it. Mind you, when things get bad enough, we'll try anything.
Hi Bob, I just checked out the Wiki entry for neutrons. I can't honestly say that I understood it completely, but when you start to examine the Universe in such minute detail, you do begin to realise how slight our knowledge is, and how much more there is to be discovered.
Hi Hello hello,
I don't know whether everything that has been around for centuries is necessarily a good thing, but trial and error over long years of practice must surely have a value?
Hi Amillar,
I'm not entirely sceptical about such things, but like you, I wouldn't normally have tried this. Karin is a friend, and her enthusiasm is contagious. I'm glad I decided to try the therapy because it was a good experience, and I certainly intend to have another session. I used to be indifferent to the benefits of hypnosis, but having trained in it, I've become aware of how life-changing it can be. I'm sure some alternative therapies really are just hocus-pocus, but until they've been completely disproved scientifically, I'm prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Hi Amanda - I know people who swear by this but have never experienced it myself - you've tempted me to!
Hi Shalini, Seasons greetings! I would definitely recommend the experience, though I suspect that some practitioners will be more effective than others. As in all these things, it's a good idea to take the reccommendations of family and friends in the first instance.
Alternative methods have been out there for ages - there must be a reason for their staying powers. I have found it is best not to discount a method just because you don't understand it. It sounds like it worked for you.
Wow... I love this hub very much. Thanks for writing this. I really care with any kind related with healthy life and I found again through this hub. Very inspiring hub. LOve and peace!
Prasetio:)
Hi KoffeeKlatch Gals,
I don't altogether understand why it works, but I do believe that every object, be it animate or inanimate, can either emit, or withdraw energy. In the case of stones and crystals, there is scientific proof that this energy transmission exists, and crystals are routinely used in watches, clocks, computers etc. I'm guessing that crystal therapy somehow utilises these natural forces by combining a known scientific phenomena with traditional spiritual healing techniques.
Hi Prasetio, I'm glad you enjoyed the hub. I'm also very interested in alternative healing. There is much to be learned from traditional healing methods. Love and peace to you too!
Excellent hub. If there is no major shift in your energy it would mean you were not that much out of balance. As you indicated in your hub any way. I like how natural therapists find their niche in the world. I read an interesting article on living water that explains structure of crystals and how it relates to water. You might like to google dancing with water if it is of any interest. Alternatel Dr emoto and what he discovered about water.
Hi PennyofHeaven, I have heard some of the ideas of Dr Emoto before. I think we are only on the brink of understanding so much of what goes on around us. In time, no doubt, our modern day medicines will seem as crude and ineffective as medieval medicines!
Amanda, I enjoyed reading the definitions or shall I say, effects of the various gems. I think perhaps we are attracted to the ones that we need. My mother in law wanted desperately to purchase a necklace of lapis last week. Reading what you have shared above, I see why this might have been a good idea. I am naturally drawn to such modes of healing. I held a rose quartz once and felt the energy surge in my hand like a rumble.
I love reading your work again. I have been a bit out of it for several months, but am determined to get back on task with promised hubs. I wonder about you and your girls and think of you at odd times.
Hugs, Barbara
Hi Barb, a belated happy new year to you! It's been a while since our paths have crossed on HubPages, but it's always good to hear from you.
Like you, I'm also aware of the vibrations that these stones and crystals generate. It's a fascinating science, and I believe there is still a lot more to learn from the simple stones and rocks beneath our feet.
I hope all is well with you and yours. Amanda x
Amanda, Happy New Year to you!!!
I am empty nesting and it has been a challenge to get my life in order without my enthusiastic and supportive kids. Slowly I am emerging from my dark hollow to discover new life. But the weather isn't cooperating. As I emerge, I am flattened with snow blasts. Do you think this is metaphorical?
Seriously, empty nesting challenges the spirit. I am having fun researching various dogs to replace our sweet Lorraine who passed away in November. Finding work where I can. And researching new books- have any to recommend???
Hugs, Barbara
Hi Barb, I dread the day I become an empty nester, but as my two are still school aged, it's a little way off yet.
It seems strange to think of you battling snow when it's quite mild and sunny here in the UK. We had quite heavy falls before Christmas, but so far this year it's kept away. I like the look of snow. So clean and white and crisp. It's just the reality of doing battle with it that can be a bit trying! Good job you have Scandinavian genes!
As to books and dogs, I'm sorry to hear about Lorraine. It's hard not to get attached to dogs. I hope you find a replacement soon. Lately I've been reading Malcolm Gladwell's the Tipping Point which I'm enjoying, but there's never enough time to get much reading done these days.
Take care, Amanda x
Amanda, I am not familiar with Gladwell. I appreciate the suggestion and will look him up at Amazon. I try to read before bed these days- helps take the edge off wandering thoughts. We are experiencing another cold blast, but today I am home bound. I was hit with stomach flu last night- ugh. Enjoy your family, Barb
Amanda, have you started a positive epidemic? I look forward to reading more from you and Gladwell about tipping points! Hugs, B
Hi Barb, I hope your stomach flu is on the mend!
I've read a number of Gladwell's books. They're not fiction, but they still capture the imagination. I hope you enjoy him as much as I do! x
Thanks for sharing your experience with healing crystals. I wrote a hub several months ago called "Natural Healing Powers of Gemstones Myth or Science". If you visit me, let me know what you think of my article.
Thanks 'toknowinfo'. I have checked out your hub, and found it useful. Thanks for posting!
Hi Amanda,
I put a link from your hub in my article about "Natural Healing Powers of Gemstones, Myth or Science". All the best to you.
Hi toknowinfo, thanks for that, and I have now added your link also.
It is a pleasure to be linked with you. Maybe we will collaborate again sometime.
I went to a Reiki healer years ago as I had gout. I was very skeptical about it, nevertheless I allowed her to apply crystal healing to my gout. That night my foot was so sore I wanted to cut it off and I had visions of suing the practitioner for millions of dollars. The next day the pain was gone, it worked even though I had very little faith in the process.
Thank you for writing this very informative hub that has certainly made me consider giving this ago. I love the idea of the relaxation this kind of therapy must induce and you certainly make it sound most inviting. Voted up.
As a matter of interest which knee gives you trouble?
Hi Spirit Whisperer, it's my left knee. Why do you ask?
diogenes 17 months ago
Hi Amanda. Nice to see you in print again. There is not much known about the exchange of energy on a sub-molecular level and just what effects, if any, do the substances making up the universe have on us mentally and physically. It would be hard for me to come out as a believer in this crystal therapy without seeing a lot more data and experiments, but I certainly wouldn't dismiss it out of hand either. You know, for hundreds of years, healers have been passing a raw egg over patients in rural areas of Mexico (etc). Some experiments have shown that the chemical make-up of the egg does indeed remove harmful substances and leave the egg cloudy and foul-smelling. It can't happen using the parameters we are accustomed to, but on a sub-atomic level, it is easy to understand how particles many times smaller than atoms can pass from one person to another. Neutrons are passing through all of us and everything in the universe constantly, (you can occasionally see them as a brief, meteor-like flare of light in the eye). To a neutron, the openings between the molecules of our skin are bigger than barn doors. Look how different we feel under the sun and the stars as against being covered by the ferro-concrete of a shopping mall, for example. Who was it said, "There is more going on in heaven and earth that in all your philosophies, Horatio," or something like that.
Season's greetings to you and the family, dear...Bob