An Introduction to Lithotherapy
What is Lithotherapy?
Lithotherapy is an alternative system of medicine that uses the energy and colors of stones to harmonize the body. The name lithotherapy comes from the Greek words lithos (“stone”) and therapeia (“care”). Its literal meaning: “the method to care by the use of stones”.
Stones and minerals have vibrations and qualities that can help remove physical and psychological stress. When these are placed onto chakras or worn as pendants, they are believed to treat the organs to which they are naturally connected.
Lithotherapy uses the energy of stones to maintain balance between the mind, body and spirit. It can help at a physical, as well as a psychological and spiritual level. You might find the removal of emotional blockages and discover a heightened awareness. The energy of stones relates to their chemical composition, color and form.
Several billion years ago stones were formed in the depths of the Earth’s core. The oldest known object ever found on Earth is a small fragment of Zircon discovered in Australia dating back 4.4 billion years, according to National Geographic, citing a study by scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The History of Lithotherapy
Stones have been used for healing since prehistoric times. Early civilizations used stones for healing in rituals and ceremonies. They would take them in elixirs and powders, or wear or carry them. Prehistoric people believed that minerals could boost their power and enhance their fertility. In addition, they thought stones offered protection against evil spirits.
Lapiz lazuli was prized by the Egyptians who liked to ingest it as a medicinal treatment. They were the first to study the placement of crystals on the body and the symbolism of the colors of stones. The Ancient Greeks likewise ground down stones for health treatments, including marble powder. They used marble powder to cure stomach issues and red jasper, which was used as a fortifier.
Meanwhile the Aztecs shaped stones into jewels, which they placed on various parts of the body according to the problem. Indeed in China, acupuncturists did something similar to enhance the energy power of their needles. They selected the end point from different stones according to the malady. Several mineral drugs were also considered to balance or stimulate different energies.
During the Middle Ages, alchemists often advocated the use of either precious or semi-precious stones to cure diseases by following the law of similitude. Thus, for example, emerald could treat the liver because it was green... like bile.
Lithotherapy was first developed into an official branch of homeopathy in France in 1965.