Originating in ancient India, and adopted by many alternative healing systems (including crystal healing), in the concept of the subtle body, which shares many of the principles of the aura. Linked to, but transcending the physical body, the subtle body is a scientifically undetectable network of channels (nadis), through which flows life-energy (prana). Our physical mental and spiritual well-being depends on prana flowing smoothly to all parts of the subtle body. If flow becomes sluggish, owing to a congested channel, or, on the other hand, too vigorous, then the likely result is physical illness or mental or spiritual unease. Identifying and correcting inappropriate energy patterns helps the body to regain balance, release stress and repair damage.

We can optimize the flow of prana by influencing the main receptors and distributors of life-energy in the subtle body, which are known as chakras (from the Sanskrit, “wheel”). The seven principal chakras are located in a line running down the centre of the body from just above the top of the head to the base of the spine. Each of these chakras governs certain physical, mental and spiritual aspects of our being and when functioning well, each chakra is believed to vibrate at the frequency of one of the colours of the rainbow spectrum. A malfunction in one chakra affects all the others, so it is important that the whole system is in balance.

Balancing chakras is at the heart of crystal healing. We can use crystals to “feed” each chakra with its main energetic colour. At the simplest level, placing one stone of the appropriate colour on each chakra for a minute will help to balance the whole system. This is by no means the only way to work with crystals and chakras, but it will be helpful in most cases.