A customer checks out crystals at Kristalmedic shop in Kuta, Bali.

Besides beauty, crystals are also imbued with healing energy.

Dazzling with striking patterns, crystals are probably some of the earth'€™s most beautiful formations.

Created by the forces of the earth and buried for millions of years, crystals come out in amazing, shapes and colors.

Some of the rarer crystal forms, such as emeralds or rubies, are precious.

Crystals have played many important roles in human life. For thousands of years, world civilizations have been using crystals for many purposes, from protection to health.

Rulers placed gemstones on their crowns to protect their minds from bad influences, Egyptian pharaohs used crystals to help them rule the kingdom wisely and priests or shamans kept them for cleansing rituals.

The Chinese used crystals to clear chi (energy), just like ancient Indians, Greeks and Egyptians who included crystals in their medicinal formulas.

Recent technology uses crystals to generate power to run machines, like the quartz crystal that is used in watches, cell phones and other devices.

Although crystals can help humans to operate advanced machinery, some people still continue the ancient practice of using crystals for alternative methods of healing.

Four Seasons Bali Resort director of spa Helen Norman said that crystals were energy transmitters, since being part of the earth they also emit magnetic fields. Humans do also.

'€œThe reality is that we live in the biggest magnet that we know, which is planet earth. We were created here. We have the magnetic field in our bodies, which is a very scientific side of aura and energy,'€ said Norman.

Crystals are cleansed from negative energy by using singing bowls.
Norman explained that on the holistic side, crystals could affect emotion, thinking and the way humans communicate.

The power of certain crystals, she said, were connected to vibrations or each layer of the energy field in the human body, so that'€™s why humans need certain crystals for different conditions.

'€œSo you have your physical that is similar to the darker stone or your emotional that is similar to a clearer crystal. It'€™s like matching to your condition,'€ she continued.

Every human has seven colors of aura or chakra, just like a rainbow. Each color describes a physical, psychology, mental and spiritual condition.

Ni Made Rosini, owner of Kristalmedic crystal shop in the Kuta area, said a person was healthy if the colors were in balance. But if one color was weak, it could mean sickness.

'€œIf someone wants to choose a crystal for health, they must know about their recent body condition,'€ Rosini said.

Rosini, who has owned three crystal shops for about 13 years, suggested taking an aura photo to find out which chakra was weak. From the result, a person could know his or her health conditions '€” physically and emotionally '€” as well his or her purpose in life, goals and the proper crystal to use.

The crystals, she said, should have the same frequency as the particular chakra, which in this case means the same color.

'€œCrystals have their own character, they can absorb or reject. For example, there is a patient complaining that something is wrong with his stomach, and his energy is really not good. We can use the black crystal to absorb his negative energy,'€ she said.

Clear crystals are not only good for healing, but also for protection. They can absorb negative energy in the environment, especially the life-draining energy that may be produced by others.

Black or darker stones, she said, were really good for grounding, making a decision, strengthening the body and protecting from dark spirits.

Before using crystals for healing purpose, one needs to '€œprogram'€ a crystal so it can accelerate its healing function. In programming it, just hold the stone with the right hand and hold the right hand with the left hand, then give an order to the crystal to help the owner achieve the desired goal.

After that, a crystal should be cleansed from negative energy, which might have been absorbed before.

Rosini suggested putting the crystals in saltwater for three or five days, or using a singing bowl '€” a bowl used to cleanse the crystal of any negative energy '€” for quick expulsion.

There are about 50 types of crystals sold at Kristalmedic that come in many shapes '€” as jewelry, in natural form or any variety of cut shapes, such as round or tower-like. Each shape has a different goal.

The pyramid can help to achieve an affirmation simply by writing it on a piece of paper and putting it underneath the crystal.

It is believed that a pyramid-shaped crystal can strengthen and deliver stronger prayer to the higher level, which is also good to use for healing and meditation. For this purpose, Rosini said many people used a clear quartz or amethyst.

A crystal can also be used for feng shui, or to adjust the energy level in a house.

'€œThe tower-shape crystal is good for absorbing negative energy, and the round crystal is good for harmonizing the house'€™s energy. It is good for placing in the corners of a house,'€ said Rosini.

The crystals also come in Chinese characters, like the goddess Kwan Im, Buddha and animal characters. For instance, crystal in the shape of Kwan Im, a goddess of mercy, is believed to be able to transmit peaceful energy.

Healing with a crystal is applied by putting the crystal in certain places around the body. In this case, wearing the crystal as a necklace or bracelet for example can help to focus on the body part that needs the healing most.

Rosini said just like any other crystal that is used for healing purposes, this crystal should be programmed first before wearing it.

'€œWithout being programmed, it will be just another piece of jewelry without any benefit in it,'€ she continued.

If warmed up, a crystal can emit negative ions beneficial to reducing the negative impacts of electrical devices or other things, which helps balance a human body'€™s frequency to its initial state.

People need negative ions because positive ions coming from electrical devices can make them feel tired, affect their immune system, disrupt sleeping and eventually make them sick.

'€œThe reason to make crystals into jewelry is because your body warms them and they emit negative ions '€” then you have a source of negative ions to help your blood flow, regulate your cholesterol and regulate your immune system and nervous system,'€ Norman said.

Closer look

In an effort to help people choose the right crystal, Ni Made Rosini compiles some of the healing benefits of particular crystals:

Amethyst increases one'€™s ability to handle stress, lowers blood pressure and reduces anemia.

Aquamarine is good for respiratory organs and the throat. It also can clear the mind, relieve phobias and worrying, and bring harmony.

Citrine can stimulate bodily functions, create a comfortable atmosphere, help to handle worried feelings and release fear. It can also increase concentration in achieving success in business or study and help to double profit and take care of wealth.

Emerald is a precious stone that can help to improve memory, make good decisions and also bring about harmony in every aspect.

Garnet can strengthen the liver, increase blood circulation and stimulate reproductive organs.

Lapis Lazulli can help to cure bug bites and relieve pain. It is also recommended for a sore throat.

Rutile is good to use for recovery and to balance one'€™s aura by tackling surrounding negative energy.

Smoky Quartz helps to increase energy and fertility for both men and women.

Tiger Eye can strengthen memory and help with concentration or focus in study. Good for schoolchildren.

'€” Photos by Intan Tanjung