Electrocrystal therapy (EDT)

Related Terms

Chakra therapy, charmstone, clear quartz therapy, crystal healing, electrocrystal therapy, gem therapy, liquid crystal glasses, white quartz therapy.

Background

Crystal therapy, also called crystal healing or gem therapy, uses crystals, each selected for specific characteristics or wavelengths, to treat a wide range of mental and physical conditions. This approach is based on the belief that the body has an energy field that can be influenced by the placement of crystals on specific body points.
The British inventor Harry Oldfield developed electrocrystal therapy was developed in the 1980s. This technique involves the use of an electromagnetic generator attached to conducting tubes filled with specific types of crystals. These tubes are applied to the body, and energy is transmitted through them. It is proposed that various types of crystals in these tubes have different effects on the body. An electronic device may also be used as a possible way to detect areas of energy imbalance of the body. These areas may then be treated with electrocrystal therapy.
There is currently not enough evidence in humans to support the use of crystal therapy for any health problem.

Theory

Crystal therapy is proposed to assist with physical, emotional, and spiritual balance and healing. According to Tantric texts, there are a number of points in the body from which psychic forces flow. These are called "chakra points." Different hypotheses exist on the actual number (seven is the most common) and location of points. The term chakra comes from the Sanskrit cakram, meaning wheel or circle.
In crystal therapy, crystals of appropriate color and energy may be placed at specific chakra points on the body with the aim to energize and cleanse. Electrocrystal therapy is proposed to work by rebalancing the energy field to promote better health.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Safety

Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Allan G. The crystal age and healing crystals. Health Consciousness 1988;9(2):29-31.
BenEzra O, Herzog R, Cohen E, et al. Liquid crystal glasses: feasibility and safety of a new modality for treating amblyopia. Arch Ophthalmol. 2007;125(4):580-581.
Clarke DB, Doel MA, Segrott J. No alternative? The regulation and professionalization of complementary and alternative medicine in the United Kingdom. Health Place. 2004;10(4):329-338.
Harold E. Crystal healing: a practical guide to healing with quartz crystal. Wellingborough: Aquarian 1991;1766.
Olfield H, Coghill R. The dark side of the brain: major discoveries in the use of Kirlian photography and electrocrystal therapy. Shaftesbury: Element Books 1988;264.
Smyth A. Crystal therapy. Here's Health 1988;33(386):38-39.