lithotherapy

Lithotherapy, or crystal therapy, is a form of alternative medicine that uses minerals and gemstones to influence well-being. Practitioners contend that stones possess intrinsic energies or vibrational properties that can affect physical health, emotions, or spirit. Stones may be worn as jewelry, carried in a pocket, placed on the body, or arranged in grids or layouts during meditation or ritual.

Techniques include selecting stones based on properties attributed to color, mineral composition, or symbolic meaning; arranging crystal grids; aura or chakra balancing; and using heated or cooled stones in massage. Some adherents integrate lithotherapy with astrology, feng shui, or mindfulness practices.

Historically, minerals have appeared in healing traditions in many cultures. Modern lithotherapy gained popularity in the 20th century with the crystal healing movement and continues in various holistic and New Age contexts.

Scientific assessment: there is no credible evidence that stones have effects beyond placebo or psychological benefit. Health claims such as curing disease, diagnosing illness, or altering biological processes are not supported by controlled studies. Lithotherapy is typically categorized as a complementary and alternative medicine, not a substitute for medical care.

Safety: use of stones is generally safe if not ingested and if expectations are modest; however, some stones can be hazardous if broken, or if contaminated with toxins, and they should not replace professional medical treatment. When using lithotherapy, individuals are advised to consult healthcare providers for medical conditions and to rely on evidence-based therapies for serious illness.