What is lithotherapy ?

It’s not easy to trace the history of lithotherapy because, in a way, it has always existed. Crystals and stones have accompanied humanity since the beginning of history. The discovery of the benefits of stones and their use first developed in India, China, and Japan. The term “lithotherapy” only appeared in the second half of the 20th century in Philippe Sorr’s book, Revue d’Histoire de la Pharmacie.

So what is lithotherapy? And what are its benefits?

Before understanding the meaning of this term, you should know that we are composed of non-physical energies. These invisible energies flow in and around our bodies, allowing us to reach and maintain balance.
Lithotherapy is an ancient healing technique belonging to natural or alternative medicine. The word lithotherapy comes from the Greek “lithos” meaning “stone” and “therapeia” meaning “healing.” It is a method that heals with stones. More precisely, it involves using minerals to improve overall well-being and achieve balance.

Thousands of years ago, in ancient Egypt, Indian Ayurvedic texts, and the first traditional Chinese medicine treatises, therapeutic properties were attributed to crystals and minerals. Celts, Aztecs, Mayans, and many other Asian and Native American peoples studied mineral sciences with the same goal: to improve our existence physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Which stones are used in lithotherapy?

The stones used are generally semi-precious stones, also known as fine stones, left in their raw or polished state. Lithotherapy is based on holism, the belief that humans are an indivisible whole. Therefore, mental, physical, or physiological ailments cannot be treated separately. Everything is about balance between our different components.
This ancient method relies on the vibrations emitted by the stones. Each stone has its unique vibration depending on its color, composition of trace elements, and crystalline system. The vibrational force of fine stones acts on the balance of our energies (chakras). It is an excellent complement to meditation. Your well-being will greatly depend on your belief in the benefits of semi-precious stones.

The choice of stone can be based on your feelings and ailments. Some stones are known to provide energy or calm stress. It is also possible to choose a stone based on its color, as certain colors are associated with specific virtues (e.g., blue promotes communication).

You can also select a stone associated with a chakra. Each chakra governs an area of our body and is associated with a color. For example, the semi-precious stone Amethyst, which is violet in color, is linked to the crown chakra, located above our skull. It promotes spiritual elevation and mental calm while reducing headaches.

Semi-precious stones are not magical. They accompany you on your spiritual journey, helping you to achieve balance and enhance your well-being. However, lithotherapy does not replace a consultation with your doctor or recommended medication. It is a complementary aid. Many people already practice this form of alternative medicine, so why not give it a try?

Note: Lithotherapy can help us feel better daily, but it should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. If you show symptoms of illness, consult a doctor.

What powers do semi-precious stones have?

A stone is a mineral being with physical and energetic properties. Both humans and stones carry energy, and therefore all beings interact with one another. The principle of lithotherapy is how the stone resonates with us. How does it affect us? This means that, on one hand, the stone absorbs energies specific to its constitution that benefit us, giving us confidence, love, and vitality. At the same time, it absorbs what it doesn’t need.
There are several ways to wear them: necklaces, natural stone bracelets, or crystals that you can keep at home or near you. In either case, stones should be cleaned regularly as they discharge quickly. Stones should be of medium size if they are not mounted, so you can keep them on you at all times: in your bra, pocket, or bag. We recommend using them as meditation tools to stay connected with a specific intention.

Why would you need a protection stone?

Not all protection stones protect in the same way or from the same things. While stones are powerful, no stone offers perfect and total protection. It’s essential to discern your real protection needs to choose the best stone for you.
The benefits of stones are so numerous that it is hard to state them all. Studying lithotherapy in-depth would be needed to understand each stone’s power and scope, but this takes time and investment!

You may have noticed that stones are effective for protection. Each stone has its unique positive effects and is more or less effective based on various factors: its usage time (especially for absorbing stones), the state of mind of its wearer, its environment, the surrounding energies, etc.

However, lithotherapy is not magical. While the power of stones is grounded on Earth, it resides in the “invisible.” It is essential to remember that stones are primarily an aid, but they cannot protect us entirely on their own. For effective protection and harmonious living, self-work is paramount. Stones help us in this work by repelling, absorbing, or amplifying specific energies.

How to care for stones?

When in contact with us, the stone absorbs energy. Therefore, it should be discharged using sage smoke, incense, or palo santo by passing the stones through the smoke. You can also clean your stones with river water, a natural spring, or even running tap water. Be careful, though, as some porous stones don’t like water. A good technique is to place them in the earth, as the soil absorbs the sun’s energy. Another option is to place them in a Tibetan bowl on a cloth and let the bowl’s vibrations cleanse them.

How to energize stones?

After discharging your stones, you can recharge them. The light of the full moon increases their frequency of radiation. Geodes or amethyst crystals: these are aggregates — placing your stones on top will re-energize them. The light of the full moon is ideal for this; one day before or after also works, even with clouds!

The different families of protective stones

Protective stones can be classified into four distinct families, each acting on energies in different ways. This classification can vary slightly depending on opinion and experience, but it is one that we found the most accurate. You are also free to form your own opinion by experimenting with lithotherapy and the power of stones. Determine what energies are released by each stone and which category you would place yourself in.

Absorbing Protective Stones

Absorbing stones retain negative energies, protecting their wearer until they reach their absorption limit. Once the stone has accumulated the maximum amount of negative energy, it reaches a saturation point, which can cause more harm than good by releasing the previously stored energy. To prevent this, these stones require frequent purification and may even need to be replaced. In this category of absorbing protective stones, we find tourmaline, obsidian, celestial eye, and labradorite.

Repelling Protective Stones

These stones repel negative energies in what many call the mirror effect. They reflect energies and, therefore, do not risk saturation. However, they can also reflect the energies of the wearer. This means the negative energy transmitted by the stone’s wearer can be returned. For this reason, we do not recommend these stones for people temporarily burdened with negative energy, such as those who are depressed. The tiger’s eye, in particular, is considered the ultimate repelling protective stone.

Soothing Protective Stones

The stones in this category are not purely protective, but they break the energetic mechanisms that create discomfort or malaise triggered by negative energies. They help find calm and clarity, release anger, and avoid being overwhelmed by stressful situations. The main stones offering these health benefits include amethyst, moonstone, and labradorite. Thus, labradorite is both absorbing and soothing, making it a particularly intriguing protective stone.

Protective Stones through Radiation

Stones in this family influence a person’s energies, encouraging them to develop positive energies. They can help develop willpower, deterring hostility from others. They can also help reduce fatigue and sadness. These stones influence mood and actions positively but can lead to a sense of invincibility, resulting in an oversized ego in already overly confident people. They are mainly recommended for individuals lacking self-confidence. This family includes sunstone, fire opal, carnelian, and hematite.

Protection stones and their effects

Perhaps the information you’ve gathered has helped you determine which family of protective stones you need. Now, you must choose the stone that will protect you best! You can learn more about each stone to make your choice or form your own opinion by trying them, as stones may act differently depending on the wearer’s energies.

Black Obsidian (or Celestial Eye)

This absorbing stone acts like a black hole. Unlike other stones in its category, it does not retain energy until saturation but makes it disappear. It requires no purification, and its power continually diminishes. While this may seem advantageous, overuse can lead to adverse effects. Indeed, the power of black obsidian works constantly, absorbing harmful energies, but when it has nothing left to absorb, it can also take in potentially positive energy.
Wearing it for too long could lead to isolation, depression, and resurfacing of buried memories. To conclude, black obsidian is a very effective protective stone when used in moderation but should be worn sparingly, especially by spiritually fragile individuals.

Tiger’s Eye

This repelling stone reflects energy without absorbing it, meaning it does not become saturated. Like a mirror, it reflects all forms of energy back to its source, repelling negative energies from others. However, this also means it reflects the wearer’s negative energies back at them! The wearer of the tiger’s eye will experience the effects of their words, actions, and thoughts returning to them like a boomerang. Be careful if they mostly emit negative energy!
In conclusion, while tiger’s eye effectively reflects energy like a mirror, it can affect its wearer. One must be mindful of the energy they emit to avoid adverse effects. This is why we do not recommend tiger’s eye to individuals already burdened with negative energies, as it could amplify their struggles.

Amethyst

This soothing stone is not purely protective; instead, it helps create a protective state. It has anti-stress and calming virtues and helps the wearer see things more clearly, putting them in the best possible emotional and spiritual state. Leonardo da Vinci wrote that amethyst “has the power to dispel evil thoughts.” It’s a stone that helps relieve sadness and nervousness, making the wearer more disposed to avoid manipulation, emotions, and energy that can be harmful. Thus, Amethyst is a stone to be worn without moderation, but its protective power varies depending on the wearer.

Sunstone

This radiant stone helps you feel more energetic and happier by combating feelings of sadness and depression. It helps better tolerate negative people and lessen their energy’s impact. This stone boosts confidence, but be careful, as it can be detrimental to those with an already strong ego. Excessive self-confidence may push individuals to face obstacles too big for them, leading to certain failure. Sunstone is a very effective protective stone but should be worn in moderation to avoid losing touch with reality!
If you would like to discover more about lithotherapy, Kalinas Perles invites you to explore the Larimar stone, a beautiful blue mineral symbolizing spirit, depth, and emotion. Larimar stone conveys the purity and beauty of water and air. In lithotherapy, this stone has incredible healing properties, especially when used in massages to relieve tension and strengthen target areas of the body.