Nov 21st, 2020, 04:36 PM

Keep Calm and Use Natural Stones

By Annelyse Gaston-Carrere
The different gemstones and their beautiful colors. Image credit: Pixabay/Aloysius
Here are four stress-free natural stones that will help you face the end of this difficult semester

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Natural gemstones have been used for years by humans as decorative ornaments, religious symbols and amulets, but also for medicinal purposes. Marisa Galvez, an associate professor of French and Italian at Stanford university conducted a study on the relationship between humans and crystals. “People have always had this fascination with precious stones. Crystals, in a way, fulfill a spiritual need for some people,” Galvez said. Some stones, such as the amethyst or rhodochrosite, have the ability to put our minds at ease and allow us to relax.

WHAT ARE HEALING CRYSTALS?

"When I think of healing crystals, I think of energy, but I am unaware of where they are found or extracted," says Hania Abouelmakarem, graduate student at The American University of Paris (AUP). Healing crystals, also known as gemstones or natural stones, are crystals formed in rocks deep into the Earth’s crust. Some can be found on the surface, in sandstones, or in the bed of certain rivers.

It is believed that these crystals contain healing properties for illnesses such as depression and headaches, or can even help with more serious issues. Samar Jaberi-Mériaux, Alumni Affairs Manager at AUP, agrees. "I believe it's an ancient science and the stones can be used to relieve pain and chase bad energy. Obviously, I am not advising people with serious illnesses to ignore their medications, but it does not hurt to try using crystals to help," she said.

The different existing gemstones. Image credit: Pixabay/Aloysius
 

CAN CRYSTALS ACTUALLY HEAL AND TREAT DISEASES?

The simple answer is no. There is no scientific evidence proving that crystals have the power to heal serious diseases. However, they have often been used as a supplement medical advice. Cindy Reignier, saleswoman at Mandalas, advises people on the stones that will relax them or help them with certain treatments. As Reignier says, “I think that these stones can accompany a medical opinion. The stones are not substitutes, but rather supplements. The medical opinion is very important and should never be neglected.”

Gemstones are most often used to relax, reduce stress and boost confidence. They allow positive and fruitful energy to flow into the body and chase away toxic energies. Elodie Hup, who also works at Mandalas, sells natural stone jewelry and strongly believes in the power of these stones. "Every day I choose a bracelet, a necklace or a raw stone that is anti-stress, appeases me, provides confidence or courage.. the result is very quick!" she said. 

Some people also just buy natural stone jewelry because they are simply beautiful. Hup has been using natural stones for three years now, and it all started because she fell in love with how beautiful they are. As she says, in addition to the benefits, the natural stone jewelries remain beautiful to wear and always pleases, so why not combine aesthetics and well-being?

FOUR ANTI-STRESS GEMSTONES

With exams coming up, an ongoing pandemic, home confinement, and not being able to spend the holidays with family this year, there are a number of reasons to be stressed - I sure am. What if you tried relaxing with gemstones?

1. Amethyst – The amethyst stone symbolizes calmness and peace. It also promotes concentration and stimulates imagination, creativity, clarity of mind and serenity. The stone calms anger, fear and alleviates sadness and grief. Most importantly, the amethyst reduces insomnia and chases nightmares

On the right is an Amethyst raw stone and on the left is an amethyst bracelet. Image credit: Left (Pixabay/epsteinagi). Right (Pixabay/Shuutoka)
 

2. Rhodochrosite – The rhodochrosite stone acts on stress, nervousness, anxieties and helps stabilize emotions. It also brings calmness and comfort during stressful times or conflicting situations. The stone aids to reduce skin reactions related to stress, such as eczema. 

Rhodochrosite stone. Image credit: Unsplash/Benjamin Lehman
 

3. Green aventurine – This mineral plays a protective role and blocks negative emotions. The stone soothes emotions and promotes relaxation, especially during exam periods. It is also a stone that helps with muscle pain and skin reactions, such as eczema or acne.

Green Aventurine bracelet. Image credit: Annelyse Gaston-Carrere
 

4. Black tourmaline - This stone helps to keep you on your feet, to be concrete and helps you stay focused, ideal for this time of the semester. It can also be used to reduce the negative effects of electromagnetic waves from household electrical appliances. Besides its powerful protection against negative energies, the black tourmaline stone will help you fight your stress by bringing calmness and serenity.

Black tourmaline and lava stone bracelet. Image credit: Annelyse Gaston-Carrere.
 

If you are interested in learning more about the world of natural stones and their benefits, contact me.

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