Gemstone Healing Throughout History

With the addition of our massage therapists, I have been digging into the healing powers of gemstones. Believe it or not, gemstones and crystals have been used in holistic healing practices for centuries all across the world. It is interesting to see how far back gemstones were mentioned. 

• Book of Revelation: The Bible depicts the city of Jerusalem as follows, "It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst."

• Egypt: Rulers were buried with amulets and talismans of Carnelian, Lapis, Turquoise, Quartz, and Gold. 

• Indian Medicine: Gemstone and crystal healing was related to astrology. They were neused to help balance and align the energetic bodies. 

• Chinese: Crystals and gemstones were written about in medical books and are extensively used in Feng Shui. Jade has also been a symbol of prosperity and integrity in China for centuries. 

• Native American Practices: A variety of gemstones and crystals were used for healing purposes. Obsidian was also used for practical uses such as making tools and weapons. 

Hildegar von Bingen

• Hildegard von Bingen: A nun in the twelfth century that wrote medical texts. She recognized that medicine needed a holistic approach to treat physical and spiritual illnesses. She felt as though disorders could not be separated from environmental influences such as moon phases, poor diet, and bad habits. Gemstones were a component of her treatment plans for healing.

• Other Writers: There were several writers who mention the healing abilities of gemstones in their writings including: Aristotle, Theophrastus, Bishop of Regensburg, Albertus Magnus, Pliny the Elder, Benedictine, Marbod, Bishop of Rennes, and Paracelsus.