Alternative medicine : crystal theraphy

Every calendar month has a gem attached to it that represents the character of a person born in that month: your birthstone. These gems are supposed to have a certain qualities that reflect the wearer and bring them good fortune or luck in love or positive health. Since “birth gems” or stones have been around for centuries, being established in many traditions, including Ayurvedic Indian healing practices, many people may not know the origin behind gem therapy and simply wear it order to enjoy admiring their special stone.

Gem therapy, often called crystal therapy, has long been known to help the entire person instead of focusing on the specific symptoms (something most complementary and alternative medicine, CAM, strives to do). Besides being a staple of Indian culture, gem therapy was also found in ancient Chinese medicine as well as shamanism practiced by many Native Americans. By aiming to create a balance between mind, body, and spirit, gem therapy is not as farfetched as other healing techniques and you never know, that emerald and diamond ring on your finger could be working on you right now without your knowledge.

Each human body is a separate unique being, with different energy sources that need to be harnessed and realigned in order to work correctly. Building a harmony within the energy of your body using crystals is just like painting the walls in your bedroom a soft blue to create peace and allow good restful sleep. When illness or disease creep up and block the energies in the body from collaborating, an outside source needs to be invited into the body so it can heal from within.

According to the ancient texts of gem therapy, crystals can be used on specific points on the body where energy is concentrated (like the pressure points associated with acupressure, or the chakras heard about in Yoga). Or, just the act of wearing a stone--a round stone is best--can bring its energies into your body because the stones themselves hold many different energies because they were formed over time under the Earth.

What are these energies you ask? The ancient texts also explain the differences between each colored stone. My birthstone, the ruby, is said to improve emotional stability (like pain from a recent heartache or old emotions that were suppressed) and is also helpful for keeping the spleen and heart in good condition. Ruby is also a good form of relief from hypertension. Emeralds, and other green-colored gems, are often used to support the immune system and blue gems (like sapphires) can restore vitality and mental abilities, as well as clear your mind and strengthen weakened nerves and bones. Since diamonds are a girl’s best friend, it serves women well to know that diamonds are helpful in keeping you truthful, keeping you on the right path, bringing purity to the heart, and strengthening all other matters of the heart along with inspiring creativity and imagination. No wonder the “brilliant” diamond is a coveted charm of the engaged, symbolizing marriage and fidelity.

I mentioned earlier that round stones are best for wearing in order to transmit their powers and if you are looking for an extra boost of balance in your life, look for therapeutic-grade gemstones or crystals and find one that is rounded to allow a greater flow of energy from the stone and wear around the neck for maximum effectiveness.

Throughout all of my research I found that the Gregorian calendar from the 1500s actually documented a small verse for each of the stones attributed to each month, although three of the twelve verses actually repeat. I was excited to see that my month was an authentic and unduplicated version, however the author is unknown:

The gleaming Ruby should adorn,
All those who in July are born,
For thus they'll be exempt and free,
From lover's doubts and anxiety.

Next time you get a gift of jewelry from a family member, loved one, or friend, take a second to appreciate the healing values associated with the stone and make sure to thank them twice!