Crystals are not just earthly treasures; they are ancient whispers of energy, holding the power to harmonize our spirits and mend the delicate dance between mind, body and soul. They work by interacting with our energy field, helping to balance and clear blockages. Each crystal has unique properties that can be used to promote emotional and physical well-being.

The formation of crystals typically involves nucleation: A few atoms, ions or molecules come together to form a tiny, stable cluster called a nucleus. Once the nucleus forms, additional atoms or molecules are added, causing the crystals to grow. As more particles join the crystals, they solidify into a three-dimensional structure with a repeating internal pattern.

Specific crystals and gemstones possess distinct energies and characteristics that can beneficially influence our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being in these ways:

• Energy alignment: Each type of crystal has a vibrational frequency that can harmonize a specific energy center in the body.
• Healing properties: Different crystals have unique healing properties that are often attributed to the crystals' color, composition and structure.
• Emotional and mental well-being: Certain crystals can alleviate stress, anxiety and negative emotions, promoting positivity and abundance.
• Spiritual connection: Crystals can enhance our ability to connect with higher states of consciousness or divine energies.

These eight crystals and stones are associated with improving health and are, therefore, ideal for spa and wellness treatments.

1. Amethyst

Amethyst is a variety of quartz with a deep purple color. It's one of the most serene stones and is often called the stone of spirituality and contentment.

Amethyst is believed to ease all kinds of pains, especially headaches and migraines. In addition, it’s naturally calming, reduces tension and facilitates a good night's sleep. It can even help manage cravings and the stress of addiction.

2. Rose Quartz

Rose quartz is lovingly referred to as the heart stone. It opens the heart chakra to self-love, family, and platonic and romantic love. This variety of quartz is translucent, ranging from peach to vivid pink and almost purple.

Rose quartz’s health benefits include: improving circulation and enhancing neuron connectivity; strengthening muscles; regulating blood pressure; and supporting the female reproductive system, as well as overall fertility in both women and men.

3. Citrine

Citrine is the yellow variety of quartz. Its inviting, warm hue is often seen as a blessing bestowed by the sun. It is also known as the stone of success and the power stone.

Citrine can stimulate creativity, enhance motivation, increase joy and attract abundance and success. It is an energizing stone closely related to the third or solar plexus chakra. Because of this, citrine provides a number of wellness benefits, such as:

• Enhances digestion and metabolism,

• Enhances nutrient absorption and promotes cleansing,

• Cleanses the pancreas, liver, stomach, kidney and spleen,

• Enhances immunity,

• Helps manage heart, liver, endocrine glands, fibromyalgia, sleep disorders and urinary system ailments, including kidneys.

Related: A Guide for Adding Crystals to Your Spa Treatments

4. Labradorite

Labradorite is grayish to black with hints of blue-yellow. It is thought to calm an overactive mind and energize the imagination, stimulating new ideas. Labradorite set in a white matrix is frequently referred to as rainbow moonstone. It is excellent for strengthening our intuition.

Labradorite is also believed to help regulate blood pressure and metabolism, as well as relieve stress and anxiety. It supports balanced hormones to alleviate menstrual tension, and can be used to combat eye disorders, gout and rheumatic conditions.

5. Turquoise

Turquoise is rare, found only in dry and barren regions where acidic, copper-rich groundwater seeps downward and reacts with minerals. It is known as the stone of self-realization, a powerful crystal that is thought to bring great joy and positive energy into our lives. It can also improve our communication, helping us to bridge gaps of misunderstanding and create more meaningful connections.

Turquoise can help the body absorb nutrients, enhance immunity and stimulate tissue regeneration. Its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties can alleviate pain and cramps, and it also reduces anxiety and stress.

6. Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli, meaning "blue stone," is a composite of several minerals, mainly lazurite, calcite and pyrite. It boosts intellect, sparks creativity and is revered for enhancing communication skills and memory.

In addition, lapis lazuli has the following health benefits:

• Alleviates pain, especially migraine headaches,

• Eases depression symptoms,

• Benefits the respiratory and nervous systems,

• Purifies the blood and boosts immunity,

• Alleviates the symptoms of insomnia and vertigo,

• Lowers blood pressure.

7. Hematite

Hematite, known for its exceptional grounding properties, gets its name from the Greek word for blood, earning it the nickname bloodstone. This variety of iron ore helps sharpen concentration and focus while boosting memory. It regulates, revitalizes and fortifies circulation, and removes excess heat from the body.

As such, hematite can aid issues related to circulation and blood, while promoting the production of new blood cells. It supports the kidneys and tissue regeneration, helps align the spine, and eases anxiety and insomnia.

8. Rhodonite

Rhodonite, the "rescue stone," is vital for emotional healing and relationships. As a manganese silicate mineral characterized by its opaque transparency, this stone actively energizes and purifies the heart chakra. It serves as an essential first aid stone for managing shocks and panic situations, offering support in times of distress.

Rhodonite also helps heal wounds, scarring and insect bites, while alleviating inflammatory joint conditions, stomach ulcers and more.

In-Spa Applications

There are multiple ways for spas to harness the influence of crystals. Many holistic health and wellness practitioners use crystals in facials, massages, body treatments and meditation. At AyurMa, we offer a range of chakra alignment rituals using different crystals and stones that align the body's energy centers for optimal emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual harmony.

You can incorporate crystals with essential oils or other aromatic substances to enhance their therapeutic effects, diffusing crystal-infused aromas throughout your spa spaces. You can also serve (and drink) crystal-infused water: Water has memory and can be energetically enhanced by the stones’ vibrational frequencies.

Wellness jewelry is another option for practitioners and clients. Both can wear crystals to reap their energetic benefits.

Crystal Maintenance

Maintaining the condition of your crystals involves a combination of regular care, clear intention and knowledge of each crystal's specific needs. Not all crystals have the same characteristics, and some require special attention and maintenance.

To start, choose the appropriate cleansing method for the type of crystal, e.g., water cleansing, salt cleansing or smudging. Be sure to re-energize crystals by exposing them to sunlight or moonlight, or placing them on a selenite charging plate.

While holding the crystals, set positive intentions to activate their energy. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

This holistic approach harnesses the unique energies of crystals to positively impact physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Given the limited scientific validation for crystal healing, it's best to consider it a complementary practice to conventional medical care.

Arun K. Tomson is a naturopathic physician and director of AyurMa at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, where he heads an expert team in creating bespoke therapeutic programs that unite Ayurveda, yoga, planetary well-being and wellness. Tomson helps individuals discover their body’s ability to heal through diet, exercise and natural treatments.