Anxiety & Crystal First Aid
The use of crystals for healing on many levels began long before what is called the New Age. Working with crystals continues practices that are as old as humankind.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common dis-ease, experienced by 1 in 6 Australians from the age of 4 onwards (Australian Institute of Health). It is a symptom of discord that creates restlessness, tension, worry, obsessing, flushes, tightening of the chest, shortness of breath, interferes with sleep, and can cause headaches and panic attacks.
To release anxiety, it is important to understand the message it brings.
IF YOU NEED SUPPORT MANAGING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH, SEE YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
Anxiety has a number of points of creation. From threats that create fear and worry, an unexpected or dreaded circumstance, or internal conflict around a major decision to ignoring our heart or taking on another’s emotional baggage - each contributes to escalating feelings of anxiety.
Physical/Situational
When any animal feels threatened, its body produces increased adrenaline in order to give it the extra energy it needs to escape the threatening situation. We are no different except we complicate the situation with the power of imagination. We can experience the feeling of threat even when there is none. With our imaginations we can think about threats that may or may not occur in the future and our body, not knowing the difference between a physical threat and an imagined threat will still produce extra adrenaline. The heartbeat can quicken, the solar plexus can flutter and the brain feels as if it has ‘crossed wires’. Animals will respond after a threatening situation by shaking to clear the adrenaline. In humans, however, we have lost this intuitive response and if the adrenaline doesn’t get released through action there is no reduction in the symptoms and we develop a state of anxiety.
Exercise, movement, anything that creates physical motion will help to dissipate this energy. If for some reason physical movement is not possible (eg, being on a plane) focus on breathing and breathe as deeply as you can. This relaxes tense muscles, increases oxygen and interrupts anxious thoughts.
Mental
One of the greatest causes of anxiety is a feeling of inadequacy. This always stems from our beliefs about what we need to do to meet expectations – ours and others. Judgement, self-criticism and overwhelm energetically attract anxious feelings to remind us that these emotions are not who we are. (More about this topic in Finding Freedom.) Remember that you are unique and enough exactly as you are – energy does not have a value rating and neither do you. There is nothing you need to prove to be worthy of other’s good opinion.
Spiritual/Energetic
Just like leaving fingerprints, when we merge our energy with others, either intentionally or unintentionally, we can accumulate another’s energetic resonance. This adds a whole new meaning to the adage, ‘we become the company we keep’. This may serve to remind us of what we are here to heal, or that we ourselves are healers and are attracting unhealed energy as part of our role. There is no need to fear this aspect of imbalance - it is a reminder to reconnect deeply with who we are.
Note: always see your doctor for medical support for extreme or persistent anxiety.
Crystals to Support Releasing Anxiety
Crystals, like magnets, attract or repel energy. When we place crystals on the body, our energy can be transformed, vibrating and pulsing in harmony with the energetic properties of the crystal.
Every thought we have affects energy, often building complex patterns that profoundly influence who we are and how we experience life. Since everyone (and everything) has an energy field, we can affect our health by changing our thoughts. Everyone has experiences that influence of sadness, anger, guilt, or joy on their wellbeing. Repeated exposure to negative thoughts, whether our own or someone else’s, can lead to depression or physical dis-ease. Just as loving kindness and beauty can soothe, inspire and heal, we begin to understand that the nature of our thoughts and feelings in response to life contribute to our wellbeing.
Thought influences energy and energy influences thought.
We have the power to choose how we respond to life, life’s experiences and accordingly influence our health. At every moment, we have the ability to choose our thoughts and each day presents us with new opportunities and wonderful beginnings.
Healing crystals remind us to quiet our busy brains and reconnect to the universally healing vibrations of the Earth. An important lesson to learn from crystals is patience, because just like the eons of time it took for these semi-precious stones to evolve and transform, working with the healing power of crystals also takes time. As you learn, grow, and evolve, use crystals as a reminder to be grateful for the abundance of Mother Earth and the great mysteries of the universe.
Crystal Healing
Crystal Healing essentially takes a holistic approach that considers lifestyle, attitude, state of mind, and environment. It aims to restore balance and wellbeing by assisting us to:
Tune into the flow and rhythm of life
Respect creation
Balance the forces and influences that play through our lives
Release limitation, thoughts and beliefs that no longer serve us.
The Versatility of Crystals
Crystals are often used in kinesiology/energy therapy balances to reduce anxiety, address migraines, and release tension. They can also be used to support meditation, balance chakras –in fact the various capabilities of crystals and stones used in a range of ways are boundless.
Exchange of Energy
Like the Native American tradition, first of all take nothing from the earth without giving something in return, thus giving and receiving an equal exchange of energy.
All things in balance.
If you are using a crystal for healing, it is customary to gift or give an uplifting energy back to Mother Earth. Thank the stone for its use of universal energy and healing gifts. Once this is done, you are ready to use the stone you have chosen.
Choosing a Crystal
Look at or hold crystals in your hand – one at a time. Ask yourself:
1. Do I feel drawn to any particular crystal?
2. While holding a crystal, do I feel any heat or coldness?
3. Am I attracted to any particular colour?
4. Can I feel the energy of a crystal (it could be an emotion, image, feel positive or negative)
Clearing Crystals
Not only do crystals harmonise vibration, they attract what it is we no longer need. I have seen crystals shattered, crumble, crack and flake following meditation or crystal therapy. If this occurs, return the crystal to Mother Earth with thanks for its healing.
Please make sure you clear your crystal before and after use to ensure the integrity of vibration is for your highest good. One of the simplest ways is to use sage smoke, gently wave it over the crystal asking that the sacred plant release all that is not love and restore balance. Give thanks.
Crystals Commonly used for Anxiety
Rhodochrosite & Peridot Two of the most important crystals for anxiety relief. Both regulate the solar plexus, breathing, and identity, releasing emotional tension and balancing the adrenals. Aventurine Calms the racing heart, balances the energy of the heart, eases trauma. Citrine Supports restoring and balancing self esteem and manifesting one’s dreams, regenerator, inner calm. Hawk’s Eye Protection, power, perseverence. Helps give an aerial perspective of a situation, making problems seem smaller. Amethyst Overall healer, nature’s tranquiliser. Calms nerves and supports restful sleep. **Avoid if experiencing paranoia and use Calcite or Moonstone instead. Smoky Quartz, Hematite, & Tourmaline Grounding stones that support the base chakra, aiding feelings of safety and security, dissolves negativity and enhances problem solving.
A Meditation for Anxiety
Place:
Grounding crystal at the base of the spine
Citrine on the navel
Rhodochrosite or peridot on the solar plexus
Aventurine on the heart
Amethyst or Hawk’s eye behind the head
Then:
1. Inhale slowly and deeply.
2. Imagine your breath beginning at your head and travelling down to your feet and then coming up again. Feel your breath traveling through your body.
3. Repeat for a few minutes.
4. Notice where you feel any agitation or tension in the body.
5. Focus your breath into these areas.
6. Imagine your breath like a waterfall, smoothing the jagged areas, wearing them down until they become smooth like river stone.
7. Now open yourself up to solutions without thinking about the problem in detail.
8. Hold this space for as long as is comfortable. If the anxiety returns as you meditate, go back to the visualisation of water wearing down the stones.
Playing water music can be helpful. Repeat meditation as often as needed.
Support
Further ways you can support releasing anxiety are through grounding, drinking plenty of water, awareness and self-love. Articles that expand on these ideas can be found here:
Heart Breathing: A (brief) Meditation
Or
Make an appointment if needed.
This article does not replace the need to see your doctor if you need support to manage mental health symptoms. It does, however, invite you to dig deeper, to understand what sits below your symptoms and heal. You are infinitely worthy of a life filled with joy, just because you are you.
You matter
Blessings
Michelle x
Michelle Cowles
Sprititual Healer
#energymatters #michellecowles #crystaltherapy #anxiety
Disclaimer: The information on this page is general, lifestyle information and should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. This information is never a substitute for professional health care advice. Any information you find on this page or on external sites which are linked to on this page should be verified with your professional health care provider.
References: Prevalence and impact of mental illness - Mental health - AIHW accessed 6 May 2023