Crystal Therapy

Each crystal's mineral structure emits a particular vibration (something science has recorded in part as the piezoelectric effect). The belief is that the human body's seven energy centres — the chakras — resonate with it.

Muladhara (root) — red jasper. Svadhisthana (sacral) — carnelian. Manipura (solar plexus) — citrine. Anahata (heart) — rose quartz. Vishuddha (throat) — sodalite. Ajna (brow) — amethyst. Sahasrara (crown) — clear quartz. To begin with a single crystal, we recommend amethyst.

Once a week, rinse in salt water for 3 minutes. Or leave it out in moonlight or sunlight for 4 hours. A stone in constant use picks up stale energy, which is why this cleansing matters. Smudging it in sandalwood or incense smoke is also customary.

Under the pillow — calm and sleep. In a pouch or on a chain — with you wherever you go. On the desk — focus at work. During meditation — held in the hand. Only one stone a day; mixing several just muddles things.

‘Crystals cure illness’ — false. A crystal is no substitute for a doctor. It is only a tool that offers confidence and a settled mind. ‘The expensive crystal is the better one’ — also false. A ₹100 amethyst does exactly the same work as a ₹10,000 one.