Crystals are nothing new to wellness, and are said to have been used by energy healers since ancient times. But they’ve certainly seen a rise in popularity in the past couple of years – as we noted in our 10 wellness trends for 2018.
Between 2013-2017, Google searches for “crystal healing” and “Crystal shops near me” increased by 40% and 35%, respectively. Meanwhile, nearly a dozen new crystal retail outlets opened up in New York and L.A. between 2016-2017. Rocks for the Spirit, a Crystal shop in Encinitas California has 192,000 Instagram followers, and Healing Crystals – a site dedicated to “promoting education and the use of crystals to support healing,” has 123,000 Instagram followers, and more than 100,000 Facebook likes.
People are falling in love crystals, a trend aided by celebrity endorsements from the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry, Khloe Kardashian, Bella Hadid, and Adele.
Crystal skin care, water bottles, and more
Most commonly when we think crystals, we think of crystal jewellery, but that’s not the only way proponents believe they work. Rose quartz and amethyst are set about homes and other working and living spaces to “balance negative energy.” These stones are sealed into water bottles to infuse the water with their declared healing, grounding, and restoring properties. Several crystals are being placed into “grids” to enhance the powers devotees believe they possess. We’re also seeing a rise in the popularity of crystal skin care and crystal light therapy. Crystals are being touted as cures for stress and pain, and as having the ability to “reduce radiation” from smartphones – among other things.
In what other ways are crystals being incorporated into spa settings, and what should you know about this modality?
We spoke with Heather Askinosie, co-founder of Energy Muse, Inspirational Crystal Jewellery, and co-author of Crystal Muse: Everyday Ritual to Tune Into the Real You. She shared some comments on how to incorporate the pretty rocks into a spa and wellness setting, as well as some of the trends she’s personally excited about.
What can you tell us about the benefits of crystals, how they’re used, and how they might be integrated into a spa or wellness setting? What crystals would work best for this and why?
I place them all around my house to remind me to always be grateful for Mother Nature’s beauty. As soon as I hold a crystal in my hand, I feel grounded. I remember to breathe. Crystals act as a tool to create a tangible shift in my energy.
We will be the first to tell you: if anyone thinks that just buying a crystal is going to magically change their life, they’re going to be disappointed. Trust me, I wish that were true, but it’s not. Working with crystals is like any new diet or fitness regime: you have to put in the work! Like any new program, it takes time and consistency to get results. The magic is not the crystal; it’s you. It’s not doing the work, you’re doing the work. It’s an ally on your journey. A tool to help you get where you want to go.
At the end of the day, crystals are a tool that reminds you that you can find peace even in the midst of chaos. A touchstone to get grounded, balanced and centered. And when we are in this state, we can make better decisions.
In a spa setting, having crystals under the massage or treatment tables is amazing! Place a smoky quartz underneath the table where the client’s feet would lay, Rose Quartz under where the heart would be and Amethyst under where the head would be. In a wellness setting, I love Black Tourmaline in the four corners to seal in the room with the energy of protection. Also, selenite to clear and cleanse as well as fill the room with light energy to raise the vibration.
What is your favourite crystal for healing, and why?
My favorite would have to be Rose Quartz because at the end of the day, we will all heal through our hearts and through the energy of love. Rose Quartz reminds us to tap into that quality within each of us.
Have you seen spas and wellness businesses using crystals in their therapies, treatments, or workshops? If so, what are you seeing that you like?
Yes! I love that spas are integrating crystals in their beauty products, treatments and environments. It takes the work they’re doing to a different level as it permeates the body on an energetic level. Jade rollers are having a moment right now; many, many places using them in their facials. I’ve seen many spas are laying crystals on clients’ bodies during their treatments. Also, many places are having people lay on the Biomat when they first come in, and I love that.
What trends in this area are you excited about or keeping your eye on?
It’s always exciting to walk into a spa or wellness space and see them using crystals in their environment. It let’s me know that they’re tapped into the energy and that they’re working with the energy of the Earth as an additional modality for healing. I’ve noticed them in more spaces than ever before!
In what ways could spas and other wellness organizations be getting the most out of crystals that they currently are not?
I think educating their clients that crystals are tools that they can use. They can take them home and be able to use them to keep that spa treatment energy alive until their next session. Working with crystals is all about consistency and that’s when you get the breakthrough results.
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Crystal healing is becoming more mainstream and accepted as a viable alternative energy. Lots of c suite execs are welcoming the calm and stability of crystal energy.