While common stress reduction techniques such as meditation and exercise are used by millions of people each day to help improve their mental health, alternative medicine also offers simple, inexpensive ways to help you relax.

Although I practice traditional medicine, I am a strong advocate of alternative medicine and natural remedies.  I have used crystal therapy to help relieve depression, break bad habits and relax.  If you are searching for a way to feel better and enhance your current medical treatments, crystal therapy is an excellent complementary healing method.

What is Crystal Therapy?

All stones and gems have magnetic powers.  Most of them also have the power to help our bodies heal.  These natural energies can be tapped into in a variety of ways.  The easiest is to simply wear a gemstone and allow it to touch you body on a continuous basis.  Crystals can be worn as jewelry, carried in your purse or pocket or placed in a location where their vibrations can be felt by those who are near.  Absorbing the energy of a gemstone will change the energy patterns in you aura helping you to relax and heal on both a physical and emotional level – allowing you to tap into your inner awareness and healing power.

Origin of Crystal Therapy

The origins of crystal therapy are unclear.  Some believe it is an ancient art which began in Egypt thousands of years ago while others believe it dates back to the time Jesus walked the earth.  But regardless of where it began, this healing technique works to promote healing and positive changes in your mind and body.

Choosing A Stone

Each crystal has its own unique energies and talents.  For example, the vibrations of amethyst works to calm the mind and increase intuition while emeralds can help you face your fears, eliminate negative thinking and bring calm vibrations into your life.

Crystals should be chosen based on their powers and your needs.  However, intuition plays a major role in your choice of gem.  If you pay close attention to which stones you are attracted to, you will notice you are drawn to the stones which transmit the exact energies you are lacking.

Check back later this week for a list of the ten best stones to use for stress relief.  (While crystal therapy can be effective, it should be used in conjunction with any medical treatment your doctor has recommended and not as a replacement.)

Stress reduction technique and a great way to start your morning !