What is Lithotherapy?
FEEL GOOD ART ENLIGHTEN YOU!
Although it has been around for a very long time, alternative medicine is gradually resurfacing with impressive approaches. One of them is lithotherapy, a kind of therapy that is based on the power of gems and minerals. According to some specialists in alternative medicine, there are precious and semi-precious stones that have the ability to do exceptional things such as heal, facilitate the practice of meditation, invigorate, drive out evil spirits, etc.
Several questions can therefore be rightly raised: What is lithotherapy? What are the benefits? How does it work? These are some of the questions we are asking, Feelgood-art will try to answer in this article.
Where does Lithotherapy come from?
Etymologically, lithotherapy is defined as “a process that heals through the use of stones”. Generally speaking, it is one of the branches of alternative medicine based on the use of precious stones. And more precisely crystals. Indeed, the latter emit a powerful energy with a multitude of capabilities. We talk about “fine energy”.
As incredible as it may seem, this aura of energy has the capacity to act on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels . For example, you can use lithotherapy to treat skin disorders, headaches, digestive disorders, sexual problems, back pain, sleep disorders, stress, depression, etc. We realize how vast the field of action of this holistic science is.
Even though the effectiveness of this therapy is debated by the defenders of classical medicine, it should be remembered that the use of stones as a means of healing goes back thousands of years. The Egyptians, Atlanteans, Mayans, Chinese and Native Americans used lithotherapy as the primary mode of treatment for illnesses during the ancient period.
This practice is still present among these peoples, although less frequent. It should also be noted that there is a plurality of gems. Each of them has of its own vibratory frequency and specific faculties. Thus, according to the geometric shape, the color, the chemical composition, the origin, a crystal will have such or such capacity.
The benefits of Lithotherapy :
As we had underlined it, the lithotherapy is a science which has for faculty to act on the whole human being in its entirety . Therefore, the functioning of minerals and crystals affects the physical body as well as the psychological aspect of the human being and even spirituality. They would even be able to harmonize our chakras.
On the physical side:
First of all on the physical level, minerals are known for their ability to cure a multitude of ailments . As well as, aches and pains .
- The eyes: this important organ of the human body can experience failures that are not necessarily pleasant. To prevent or cure these disorders, lithotherapy uses onyx, agate, emerald, sapphire, aquamarine, or chalcedony.
- Headaches: to relieve headaches, the most suitable gemstones are azurite, diamond, lapis lazuli, malachite, tiger’s eye and emerald.
- Arthritis: crystals associated with the treatment of this disorder are garnet, amber, pyrite, aquamarine or apatite.
- Heart diseases: some gems have the virtue of facilitating blood circulation. Among these are garnet, pink quartz, ruby, topaz, carnelian, rhodonite, etc.
- Stomach: you can use the eye of the tiger, the malachite, the red jasper, the pyrite… to treat the disorders related to the stomach and the digestion.
- Sciatica: Gemstones that are suitable for the treatment of disorders related to this organ include garnet, moonstone, citrine, green tourmaline, amethyst, etc.
- Sore throats: for fast and safe results, you can opt for the use of the following crystals: sodalite, opal, blue topaz, etc.
Basically, even though minerals are capable of acting on all organs, it must be recognized that some are much more suitable for the treatment of one organ in particular or another. According to some cultures, this is the application of the law of similarity. Thus, to treat for example the liver, one recommends the use of emerald which would be green like the bile.
On a spiritual level:
Moreover, the influence of gems on the mind is not negligible. Thanks to the energy they give off, some stones have the ability to reframe our thoughts , to purify them or to make them more positive . It is the case for example of quartz which has the property to move away the negative thoughts and to make the doubt disappear. As for labradorite, it allows to enlighten the mind and helps to lift the shadows on a situation.
On the other hand, these minerals would have the ability to fight against evil spirits and drive out demons. They act on the energy centers, also called chakras, thus allowing the spiritual development of man.
Is there a difference between precious and semi-precious stones?
Although there is a slight difference between precious and semi-precious stones, it is important to remember that both are used in lithotherapy. The difference is that gemstones are rarer and have, according to some specialists, more properties. It is exclusively the diamond and ruby and sapphire and emerald . Semi-precious stones are less rare. Nevertheless, they all have impressive qualities. The list is longer, but the most common are aquamarine, l’amethystthe carnelianthe citrinethe lapis lazulithe jadethe jasperthe malachitethe quartzthe turquoiseetc. By abuse of language, precious stones and semi-precious stones are confused with the same name.
Lithotherapy and Yoga:
First of all, it is important to make a brief reminder of what yoga is. Indeed, Yoga is defined as the practice of a set of breathing and relaxation activities or postures aimed at bringing mental and physical balance. It is an art of living of Indian origin which aims to help man transcend physical discipline. The benefits of practicing yoga are numerous. Among other things, it promotes muscle relaxation through its highly dynamic postures. Some of them allow the strengthening of muscles while others work on balance.
With regular practice, it is possible to correct the bad postures that we have adopted throughout our lives, which in turn helps to limit back pain. Yoga also has the particularity to act on stress. During the sessions, all attention is directed to the body and breathing, which helps develop concentration. However, it should be noted that there are several types of yoga practice including Iyengar, Hatha yoga, Anusara, Ashtanga and many others. Each of them has its own advantages or allows the development of certain skills.
In view of the role and functioning of yoga, it can be established that there is a similarity with similarity with lithotherapy . The latter facilitates in one way or another the practice of yoga through certain stones specifically.
Discover Yogom: French brand of eco responsible yoga and equip yourself with a quality ecological yoga mat! See all products
Stones for yoga:
Most precious and semi-precious stones can be used in the practice of yoga. Nevertheless, some of them are particularly suitable. In this long list, we find more frequently.
Black tourmaline
The benefits of black tourmaline Still considered as a stone of protection and wisdom, black tourmaline is used to to evacuate the nervous tensions or even stress . Increasing vitality, this stone allows to keep a good rooting and the practice of meditation. Since it protects against negative energies and reduces the flow of thoughts, black tourmaline is very useful for the practice of yoga .
The moonstone
Apart from its ability to stimulate fertility, improve the quality of sleep or promote marital happiness, the protective moonstone is known for its usefulness in the practice of yoga. Indeed, this exceptional stone has the gift to keep you away from negative waves, to help you breathe in well-being while balancing the current flowing through your body. It therefore ensures the balance of vital energy and consequently the relaxation necessary for the practice of yoga. The moonstone is associated with the second chakra, and since the practice of yoga is intended to recharge the chakras, we understand its utility.
The amethyst
The amethyst in bracelet Amethyst : with its magnificent purple color, amethyst is a semi-precious stone that acts on the physical body as well as the spirit. It facilitates concentration and breathing, hence its usefulness in yoga . Thanks to this high quality crystal, you will be able to gather the necessary energy to concentrate on your yoga postures. It will also be of considerable help for the practice of meditation. In addition to all this, amethyst treats various ailments on the physical body including those related to the heart, nerves, skin, etc. It helps to cope with anxiety and pressure.
Hematite
Raw hematite is a particularly powerful stone. It positively influences the blood of the person who wears it. First of all, it has the ability to stimulate strength, vitality and determination. It then strengthens energy and endurance , eliminates tension and agitation . Basically, this crystal enhances all the skills you need to experience the most demanding yoga postures.
The quartz
The raw rock crystal is a mineral which abounds in pure and powerful energy able to provide vitality, vigor and dynamism. It helps its carrier to concentrate , à clarify his ideas . In addition to that, this healing stone contributes to the energy regeneration of the body .
Rose quartz
The pink quartz bracelet is a stone that relates much more to the heart, love or beauty. One wonders how it could be useful for the practice of yoga. It must be said that this stone is particularly effective in stabilizing blood pressure and blood circulation, it improves vitality and fights against depression. In clearer terms, rose quartz can be the instrument that will allow you to ease internal tensions and to you to concentrate properly on your postures . You can also mix it with other stones.
How to meditate with gems?
Similar to yoga, meditation is a practice that aims to relax our bodies, brighten our minds and clear the negative vibes. It is therefore a relaxing activity acting on both the body , the mind and the soul . With crystals, the practice of meditation is much easier and the results are very quickly achieved (state of higher consciousness for example). But which stones to choose for meditation?
To this question, the answer is that all crystals in general have healing properties that can be useful in the practice of meditation. The combination of rock crystal and selenite is very reliable. Indeed, the latter has a great spiritual value. It allows the body to relax while releasing the bad waves. Among the stones most recommended to help in the practice of meditation are azurite, labradorite, lapis lazuli, celestite, amethyst stones, etc.
How to use crystals for meditation?
Now that you have decided on the crystal to use, you can begin the meditation. You will then just have to contain the crystal in question in your hands or to simply place it on your body . The main thing is that it is in contact with your skin. Moreover, thanks to their therapeutic capacities, gemstones stimulate the part of the body where they are placed. It is up to you to see which of the chakras you plan to work on.
Indeed, the human being is made up of 7 different chakras associated with body parts. We distinguish between the base chakra (Muladhara) found at the level of the pelvic plexus and related to fertility. The Hara chakra (Swadhistana) is located at the level of the belly. It symbolizes the vital force, the joy of living and sexuality. The solar plexus chakra (Manipura) is located in the pit of the stomach. More precisely between the first and second lumbar vertebrae. It is linked to negative emotions.
As for the heart chakra (Anahata), it refers to love, empathy, trust; the of the throat (Vishuda) is related to communication, creativity, etc. The 3rd eye chakra (Ajna) located between the eyebrows symbolizes discernment, intuition, awakening, or clarity. And finally, the coronal chakra (Sahasrara) is located above the head. The latter is related to wisdom, spirituality and soul consciousness.
Meditate with a stone
If you are just starting out and don’t know how to do this, here are some steps you can take to successfully meditate with your gems.
- First, try to find a quiet place where you will feel calm and focused.
- Sit down with serenity while taking care to keep the stones you wish to use near you.
- Close your eyes, relax your mind by focusing on the rhythm of your breathing.
- Take the stones and squeeze them slowly in your hands.
- Imagine for a moment your mind spiraling into the gemstone. Take pleasure in feeling all the energy released by the crystal.
- Breathe in the white light and let the aura of the stone invade you, your mind and all your senses
- This is the time to put your meditation intentions into action. Your stones are at your disposal.
- Relax your body and mind. Stay in a meditative state with your stones for as long as possible.
- Now open your eyes. Breathe in and out deeply.
At the end of the session when you are fully relaxed, finish the process by observing all the forms of your consciousness coming out of the stones and returning to your body.
How to wear gemstones in Lithotherapy?
There are several alternatives for the use of gemstones. The easiest way to do this is to to carry with you .
Carrying a stone with you
For this purpose, you have the possibility of wearing the stone in question in the form of jewelry with a necklace around the neck or in the form of a bracelet . Women can use it as an earring. What is lithotherapy? According to lithotherapists, gemstones are most effective when attached to the organ they are intended to treat.
Therefore, if your goal is to relieve kidney pain for example. It would therefore make more sense to wear the crystal around your kidneys. It is always more useful to keep minerals closer to your body for better results. Nevertheless, you can always arrange in a room in their main form. Apart from the vibratory frequencies released to heal or protect you, we must recognize that
A massage with stones
If you don’t carry them with you or display them in a room, minerals can be used in other ways. This is the stone massage. It is an ancient oriental technique consisting in applying cold or hot stones to relieve muscle and joint pain. This type of massage can have a sedative effect and even facilitate relaxation and oxygenation.
Keep in mind, however, that to retain the full capabilities of some minerals, they must be cleaned after use.
Lithotherapy is an effective treatment method with many guarantees. Whether it is for disorders related to the body, the mind, the gems will allow you to obtain satisfaction in a very short time. By choosing the right ones, you will get more out of your yoga and meditation sessions. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that this therapy does not replace the diagnosis of doctors.