How does it work?
Crystal is “a substance with an orderly three-dimensional arrangement of its atoms or molecules, thereby creating an external surface of clearly defined smooth faces having characteristic angles between them.” Crystals form in an unstable environment, at high temperatures and pressures – here the particles stabilise forming regular, crystalline structures. So, “…whenever subjected to some outside force, such as heat, pressure, electricity or light, crystals are able to make minute adjustments that quickly restore their internal stability…It may be that the very nature of crystals spontaneously increases the levels of harmony in their immediate environment.” So, what is the ‘nature of crystals’ and how can they harmonise their environment? Well, as ‘form is a function of frequency’ crystals continue to resonate after formation and affect things around them.
Colour: “The apparent colour of an object depends on the wavelength of light it reflects,” just as parts of the human body resonate at different wavelengths; ‘teeth resonate with a wavelength of 435 nanometers’ which is the same as the colour indigo. Therefore, if we can determine the healthy frequency for all healthy parts of the body, it might be possible to ‘retune’ them when something goes wrong. This approach is used in Phytobiophysics where plant colours are used to harmonise the body. This relatively new area of medical research ‘measures the electrical frequency of diseased tissue and bacteria cultures and compares this to the frequencies of healthy tissue in each organ.’ As with crystal colours, ‘these correspond to the wavelength of different colours of the spectrum’
Other techniques along the same lines include gem lamp therapy, colour therapy and electro crystal therapy. “This works by passing a small electrical pulse through high grade crystals… The high frequency multiple vibrations from the crystals match those which are taking place naturally in the body’s cells. They tune up, and heal, any dulled energy.” Admittedly, most of us don’t have access to electro crystal scanning equipment, or a Voll galvanometer (as used in Phytobiophysics), but most of us know when and where there is an imbalance in the body through pain or emotional upset. It is possible to treat ailments on a small scale with crystals in your own home, as long as you know which ones to use where – and this goes back to the ancient Indian ‘chakra’ system.
The colours are easy to remember because they are the same as the rainbow – Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet (“Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain”, if you need a way to remember that!)
On it’s most basic level, then, any crystal of the correct colour can be placed on the relevant chakra – the one nearest the upset. White/clear crystals are also effective on the Crown Chakra and pink correlates with the Heart. Black crystals can be used at the Base, or on a separate ‘Root’ Chakra which is just below the feet. Crystals of more than one colour combine the healing properties for all the chakras they match.
If colour is the only thing that makes crystals work, why not use different coloured bits of paper? Interior designers and Feng shui experts have been telling us to change the colours in our environment for years – even the Body Shop ran a line of colour therapy bath oils to make us feel better. And, what is the point of putting a crystal in your pocket, or under your pillow where it can’t reflect light and therefore has no colour? Well, shape is another all-important factor.
Shape: As I mentioned at the beginning, crystals are very regular in their construction, their ‘geometrical form… consists of two or more faces – for example, dome, prism and pyramid.’ Lyall Watson suggests ‘It is possible that all shapes have their own qualities and that the forms we see around us are the result of combinations of environmental frequencies’ He relates that spherical cages heal rats more quickly, schizophrenic patients improve suddenly in trapezoidal wards, pyramids can mummify dead organic matter and beer quality deteriorates in angular barrels! Also, rounded edges are seen as ‘calming’ in feng shui, but pointed spires and corners breed destructive energies.
Quartz points are arguably the most effective crystals as they can channel unwanted pain or stress out of the body. The point of the crystal is used to direct negative energy out and positive energy in. It matters less what the outer shape of the crystal is, I think, (although some are more pleasing to hold if they are tumbled and wands are good for channelling). The internal structure is what is important, a run-down cracked crystal will do the same for you as a brand-spanking one (apart from the aesthetics).
Practical Crystal Healing:

Cleansing:
It is important that the crystals you use are ‘cleaned’ often, to release old unwanted energies. A crystal collects environmental negativity like a house collects dust. Crystals can be cleansed with:
Ø AIR Incense
Ø FIRE Bathe in sun and/or moon light
Ø WATER Wash them under the tap (although Selenite will fall apart in water)
Ø EARTH Soil/Salt (burying crystals is also a good way of getting their colour back)
Ø SPIRIT Visualisation: Try blowing ‘good vibes’ over them/Sound: use a singing bowl, tuning fork or bell
It is also useful to ‘charge’ or instruct your crystals with their intended use. This can be as simple as holding them and thinking what you wish them to do.

Layouts:
v Putting an appropriate colour on all the chakras balances the whole body and is one of the simplest layouts. v The Seal of Solomon is a six-pointed star around the body with quartz points. First with points facing out, then facing in. v The aura can be ‘combed’ with a quartz point (about 6” from the body) to release blockages. v With your receptive hand (usually the non-dominant one) on the affected area and your projecting hand pointing a quartz crystal away from you, negative energy can be drawn out. Then swap the hand positions – the projecting hand and crystal point is held against the imbalance and the receiving hand draws in source energy (just hold it flat facing upwards). v Specific crystals relating to problems can be put where they are needed and surrounded by four quartz points – first pointing out (for about 5 mins to draw negative out), then in (to draw positive in). v A pendulum can be swung over the body – where it deviates from a deosil rotation, leave it swinging to correct the problem. Wait for the crystal to move normally again, then move on. If the blockage is hard to shift, add another crystal and come back to check on it afterwards.
It is useful to draw out and then put back energy with quartz or amethyst points no matter what ailment you are treating. Try surrounding other stones with them, or place one at the head, first facing out, then in. An ‘anchor’ stone (anything black) will stop the patient from feeling faint or overwhelmed if they are very sensitive. Place this at the feet.
There are so many stones, and so many applications, it would not be permissible to list them all here. However, it is relatively easy to find lists or charts of the basic stone functions over and above their general colour associations. I will instead list some of my own favourite cures:

Ametrine A combination of Amber and Citrine, this is the best stone for hangovers. It stops the nausea and the headaches. Allegedly, the word Amethyst comes from the Greek ‘Amethystos’ meaning ‘not drunken’. Black Tourmaline (Schorl) Alleviates back-pain and helps to align the spine. Bloodstone Stops outbursts of anger or emotion (relieves high blood pressure) Citrine Good for concentration, helps you through that dull book or essay Fool’s Gold (Iron Pyrites) Eases stomach cramps and helps you sleep Hematite Can prevent panic attacks, calms and leaves you in control Labradorite Stops you having nightmares Lapiz Lazuli Stone for making friends (and also that of the High Priestess) Malachite Alleviates pain in general Moonstone Relieves period pain Moss Agate Very good for asthma and other breathing problems Rose Quartz Great one to have in the home, just to give it a cosy atmosphere Snowflake Obsidian This is helpful for skin conditions Sodalite Soaks up the evil electromagnetic field around your computer – unfortunately mine did this so well the computer stopped working. Tiger’s Eye For confidence: auditions, interviews etc.

Jewellery is possibly the easiest way of using crystal healing from day-to-day, although some people find that metal cancels out the effects. If you do wear crystal rings or necklaces, it would be helpful to wear them on the right chakras or meridians. A choker would cover the Throat, and a longer necklace would do for the Heart. Alternatively, you can tap into your chi with rings that lie on your body’s meridians.
Crystal water is another simple cure. Just leave citrine, amethyst or tiger’s eye in a bottle of water overnight. Remove the gem and the water should be imbued with the qualities of the crystal. You can now use it as a drink, put it in the bath, water your plants with it etc.
One aspect of crystal healing that I haven’t yet addressed is that of the subtle bodies. These are ‘The subtle bodies are the energy structures of each aspect of the self which interpenetrate, and extend beyond, the physical body…’ The aura in general is more susceptible to the wavelengths of crystals than the more dense particles of the body. But many people believe that all illness comes from the mind so crystals may use the subtle bodies to cure the physical body.
It is worth building up a store of crystals to see how they affect you. I find some totally ineffectual, while others have noticeable results. The Natural World is one of the cheapest places in Brighton to buy crystals, but rarer ones can be found in The Green Buddha, Hocus Pocus, The Crystal Shop and various others.