Healing Powers of Gemstones
Ancient Healing Traditions Explained

The use of gemstones for healing has its roots in such diverse cultures and systems as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Native American healing traditions, and Ayurveda, the holistic approach to health practiced in India for over 5000 years. Today gemstone use is reflected int he more recent practice of Crystal Healing.

The inherent powers of gemstones are recognized by modern science in the technological uses of crystals in watches, lasers, and computers. Yet the more subtle powers of gemstones, such as their ability to promote physical healing or their power to help balance human emotions still elude science.

The primary use for gemstones in early history was for healing and spiritual ritual. Although gemstones were rare and exhibited great beauty, the reason they were so precious was because of the power they imparted to ther wearers. Kings and Queens had gemstones set in their crowns to obtain their power. Priest of different religions used gemstones in rings for similar reasons.

Ayurveda is considered by many scholars to be the oldest healing science. The term Ayurveda is taken from the Sanskrit words ayus, meaning life or lifespan, and veda, meaning knowledge. According to Ayurvedic medicine, gemstones are the finest and purest consolidation of minerals that exist, formed under extreme heat and pressure inside the earth. Healing gemstones are crystals of clear, purified minerals that can also be found inside the body. The contact of healing stones with the electromagnetic field of the body becomes easy when they are embedded in pure electrolytes like copper, silver and gold or when in direct contact with the skin.

It is believed that the human body contains hundreds of focused and concentrated energy centers. According to Ayuvedic medicine there are seven major energy centers associated with the physical body, commonly referred to as "chakras". A chakra is like a vortex: a constantly revolving wheel of energy. Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning "wheel". The chakras are the source of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energy. The main purpose of working with and understanding the chakras is to create integration abd wholeness within the body. In this way, the various aspects of consciousness, from the physical to the spiritual, are brought into harmony.

When chakras are blocked, or not in balance, the free flow of energy is impeded, leading to physical, emotional, mental or spiritual disease. When the chakras are unblocked and free flowing optimum health is enjoyed. Each chakra also governs a different aspect of human emotion and behavior and is also associated with specific colors and specific crystals. Using crystals with the chakras can have a great healing effect.
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BASE CHAKRA - 1st Chakra
Muladhara Chakra: Beginning of Awareness

Located at the base if the spine and associated with the colors red (passion for life) and black (stability. The base chakra controls "grounding:" to the earth.

Base chakra stones are mostly red or black. Some examples are: agate, bloodstone, carnelian, garnet, black onyx and ruby.

SACRAL CHAKRA
2nd Chakra
Swashisthana Chakra:
Dwelling Place of Self

Located about three inches below the navel and associated with the color orange (creativity and wisdom). The sacral chakra is associated with relationships with others.

Sacral chakra stones are mostly orange. Some examples are: carnelian, citrine, tiger eye and topaz.

SOLAR PLEXUS
3rd Chakra
Manipura Chakra: Transformation of Being

Located just below the ribs and associated with the color yellow (intellectual ability). The solar plexus chakra is the emotional center.

Solar plexus chakra stones are mostly yellow. Some examples are: citrine, peridot, yellow sapphire, tiger eye and yellow topaz.

HEART CHAKRA
4th Chakra
Anahata Chakra:
Healing and Compassion

Located at the center of the chest and associated with the color green (healing ans balance). The heart chakra is about unconditional love, connection and acceptance

Heart chakra stones are mostly green and pink. Some examples are: amazonite, green aventurine, green garnet, rose quartz, pink sapphire and pink tourmaline.

THROAT CHAKRA
5th Chakra
Visuddha Chakra:
The Expression of Creativity

Located at the throat and associated with the color blue (divine guidance). The throat chakra is the communication center.

Throat chakra stones are mostly blue. Some examples are: amazonite, aquamarine, blue tiger eye, blue topaz and turquoise.

THIRD EYE CHAKRA
6th Chakra
Ajna Chakra:
The Knowledge of Being

Located about one finger space above the brow and associated with the color indigo (attainment of spiritual purpose). The third eye chakra is our intuition center.

Third eye chakra stones are mostly indigo. Some examples are: amethyst, moonstone, sapphire, blue topaz and turquoise.