In recent years, awareness of mental health issues has increased. Terms like PTSD, depression, bipolar, stress and anxiety have become better known. These conditions are no longer a diagnosis to be ashamed of and there are now more ways to manage symptoms.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition caused by a traumatic experience. There are many symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, some of which include flashbacks, nightmares, feeling very anxious and difficulty sleeping.
PTSD can be caused by any situation that a person finds traumatic, however the most heard of cause is by those returning from war zones. Other examples include experiencing a road accident, an assault or serious health problem.
Approximately 1 in every 3 people that experience a traumatic event will be affected with PTSD. It is not clear why some people develop PTSD and others do not.
If you have been through a traumatic experience and are having upsetting and confusing thoughts that are particularly troublesome or not starting to diminish after 4 weeks, then you should see a GP.
Complimentary Therapy – Crystal Healing
Crystal healing has been used as a means of holistic therapy, to heal illness and ailments and release emotional trauma for eons; in fact, it is thought to date back as early as 4000BC.
Holistic therapy refers to those treatments and therapies that help improve the wellbeing of the whole person, mind, body, and spirit.
The use of crystals, having declined in the 15th Century, saw a re-emergence starting with the introduction of the copper bracelet in the 1970s. Due to huge media coverage more recently and celebrity interest in crystal healing, this is now a rapidly evolving therapy.
There are many different types of crystals, that are believed to have healing abilities. Each type of crystal has different properties and focuses on different areas of your wellbeing.
Crystals radiate vibrational frequencies much like humans do. The vibrational frequency of a crystal can be used to absorb and diffuse energies within the body. It can also help to
improve the flow of positive energy, rid the body and mind of negative energy and help to dissolve blocked energy.
Please note that crystal healing practices do not replace professional help but are there to work alongside.
Crystals can be used in a variety of ways. They can be worn as jewellery, incorporated into a holistic practice like Reiki or meditation, carried in a pocket, placed on a desk or under a pillow.
I use crystals as part of my Reiki sessions in Sudbury, Suffolk. Reiki is an effective practice on its own, however I find incorporating crystals into my healing practice really amplifies and enhances the therapy session.
Here are my top 10 preferred crystals to use for PTSD:
1. Amethyst
Amethyst is lavender in colour and is associated with both the Crown and Third Eye Chakras. PTSD is a disease of the mind and curing it requires one to look within.
Amethyst is used to help clear the mind of negative emotions, traumatic memories, and flashbacks. It helps to bring clarity to situations and relaxes the mind.
2. Rose Quartz
This beautiful gemstone with its pink hue is known as the crystal of Universal Love. This crystal represents all types of loving relationships, resonating closely with the Heart
Chakra. The healing properties of Rose Quartz work to promote self-love and, restore love and trust within, whilst purifying and opening the heart, bringing understanding, love, and compassion. Rose Quartz is excellent at dealing with emotional trauma, helping to release emotional pain and negative energy.
3. Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli is a beautiful deep blue crystal streaked with gold. This crystal is linked to the Throat Chakra which means it is useful in aiding self-expression and communication. One of the symptoms of PTSD is anger. This may be because of a person not being able to fully communicate their feelings and deal with pent-up emotions deep within them.
Lapis Lazuli quickly releases stress, bringing deep peace. It brings harmony and deep inner self-knowledge. Lapis encourages self-awareness, allows self-expression, and reveals inner truth, providing qualities of honesty and compassion. Lapis Lazuli assists in helping to speak one’s truth and inspires confidence. It bonds relationships, aiding in expression of feelings and emotions.
Lapis lazuli is the perfect stone to foster friendship and support during your darkest days.
4. Blue Lace Agate
Blue Lace Agate is a stone of communication, emotional healing, and inner peace. This stone has a graceful and calming appearance, which corresponds with the peaceful aura it emits.
It is excellent at treating depression and anxiety, as well as promoting feelings of well-being and happiness. This beautiful blue crystal has the capacity to eliminate blocked energy and is said to soothe anger and bring harmony.
5. Golden Sheen Obsidian
Golden Sheen Obsidian helps us go within to face our deepest fears, and traumas. Only when we understand and overcome those fears can we begin to set course on life's golden path. It helps a person to think clearly, and objectively. It is made for anyone that is embarking on a journey to figure themselves out, and find their life purpose, while remaining protected from all negative energies.
6. Sodalite
Sodalite is often referred to as the stone of peace. It can help us calm the mind and ease panic attacks. It is very helpful in preventing us from becoming too emotional and is a perfect stone for calming and releasing anger and frustration. Sodalite stimulates self-confidence, self-expression, gives us a sense of calm and helps us to release tensions, anxiety and fears.
7. Lepidolite
Lepidolite is known as a stone of peace and tranquillity and is one of the most effective stones for stress relief.
The stone naturally contains lithium, which is used in anti-anxiety medication. It brings balance in stressful periods, soothing the mind when we feel emotionally overwhelmed or excessively worried.
8. Smoky Quartz
Smoky Quartz is the anchor in the storm. It is an excellent crystal to keep the body grounded, protect the aura and neutralise negative energies that float by.
Not only does Smoky Quartz amplify positive energy and work to balance the root chakra, it also can help break bad habits and patterns by showing your true inner strength. Smoky Quartz can help manifest the strength to face adversity and tackle difficult challenges.
9. Carnelian
Carnelian is a wonderful crystal that promotes positive life choices, boosts motivation, and helps with personal strength and empowerment.
Carnelian can help to balance the energies of the body by helping to shift stuck and stagnant energy. This beautiful orange crystal enhances mental clarity and positive emotions which helps to promote a brighter outlook.
10. Citrine
Citrine helps absorb negative energy and attracts positive energy into the aura, helping to promote a positive mindset. Citrine is known as a crystal for manifesting self-empowerment during life changes.
This stone may also remove destructive thoughts and tendencies while improving feelings of self-worth and self-esteem.
Citrine can be used to bring happiness into a stressful time which is why it is often referred to as the ‘stone of happiness’. This can be a good aid to those who are going through a traumatic experience.
Choose crystals that you feel drawn to and experiment with different ways to interact with them. Happy healing! Nameste x