It is believed that crystals contain energies that can be used in the healing process of the body. Every crystal has a different property and can help with different aspects of the mind and body. Usually during therapy a number of different crystals are placed around the body of a fully clothed person as they lie down and relax. These crystals will then absorb and give off energy that will be beneficial to the mind and body.

There a large number of crystals and they all have benefits for a wide range of different physical and mental illnesses. Below is a list of crystals with their benefits:

Agate - increases creativity and stimulates intellectual as well as analytical abilities. This stone can help with combating stress and alleviating worries.

Amber - absorbs negative energies and transforms them into positive forces that stimulate the body to heal itself. It can help with combating depression.

Amethyst - calms the mind and emotions, creating a sense of peace. The main benefits are to aid with insomnia and sleep disturbances.

Ametrine – helps develop courage and harmony and contains both Amethyst and Citrine. Ametrine can stimulate creativity, strengthens concentration and promote optimism.

Aquamarine – can increase confidence and reduce fear. It can help people with communication and enable them to express themselves.

Aventurine - promotes self confidence and improves leadership qualities. This crystal can be very helpful for people that suffer from stress and feel things are getting on top of them.

Bloodstone – this stone is thought to help people to rid themselves of negativity. As its name suggests, Bloodstone is an excellent blood cleanser.

Carnelian - promotes happiness, creativity, steadfastness, confidence, courage, analytical power and assertiveness, and helps one to achieve greater success in career and personal matters.

Charoite – this stone can give people drive and help to reduce stress and worry to bring about a relaxed attitude. Charoite can be a great crystal to use for obsessive compulsive disorder.

Clear Quartz - has very strong powers of protection against anyone who doesn't mean you well.

Garnet - is the stone of health and passion. Garnet can helps people to deal with high stress, sadness, depression and trauma.

Hematite – can be used to stimulate iron absorption, which can improve oxygen supply to the body and blood circulation.

Jade - is said to stimulate creativity and mental agility, and enhance health.

Jasper – can be used to cool, sooth and calm the mind and nerves, and so can be used to reduce stress.

Lapis Lazuli – can increase the feelings of empowerment and encourage people to take charge of their lives. It can also bring objectivity and clarity.

Moonstone – can be used for period pains, reduce emotional problems during the menopause and increase fertility.

Obsidian - is a great stone for improving self-esteem and confidence.

Onyx - is thought to be helpful to people who are trying to move on after a bad relationships or let go of past attachments.

Peridot - is said to be a great stone for people looking to move on with their lives and can really help to alleviate jealousy, anger, resentment and spite.

Prehnite - is a stone of unconditional love and helps people to be prepared, no matter what.

Rhodochrosite - represents selfless love and compassion, it can be used to remove denial, increase positivity and to relieve a depressed mood.

Rose Quartz – often you will hear it called the 'Love Stone', and can be a great stone for iprovin relationships and bringing love into your life.

Ruby - encourages passion for life and motivates people. It is often thought of as a stone of abundance and has the ability to prevent financial losses.

Rutilated Quartz - is thought to be the most energising and uplifting stone with anti-depressive effect. It can also be used to help with sleep disturbances.

Sapphire - is known as the wisdom stone and can help people with communication and self-expression.

Smoky quartz - is a good stone to overcome lethargy. It encourages concentration and pragmatism.

Sodalite - is a stone that can make it possible to remain true to yourself and stand up for your beliefs.

Tiger's Eye - encourages a passion for life and promote self confidence, self esteem, integrity, positive outlook on life as well as arms you with strength, courage and determination.

Turquoise – can give you tranquillity and refreshment it is also reported to be responsible for faithfulness and reliable relationships.

Watermelon Tourmaline - is promotes self-love and increases happiness, serenity, compassion, tolerance and understanding in its wearer.

Zoisite - changes negative energies into positive ones. It can be helpful with reducing lethargy and promoting expression of repressed feelings and emotions.