So this illustrates the schism between Western and Eastern medicine philosophies. Eastern medicinal philosophy posits that the mind and body are one entity. What affects one affects the other. They are both of the same energy source and share interacting properties. So a broken leg is just as valid and real as a mental illness like depression. In this view, one’s responsibility for the illness has nothing to do with its validity.
Western medicine believes in the mind and body as separate entities. This type of thinking could lead to judgment calls as to the validity or realness of an illness that cannot be poked or prodded, such as mental illnesses. Is this disease ”real” or simply a character flaw? But if you truly consider this philosophy, you will realize that this black-and-white thinking isn’t realistic.
Crystals, magnets and minerals have been used in the healing arts for at least 6,000 years. Folklore and stories passed through generations speak of the healing properties of gemstones. The Sumerians of Mesopotamia and ancient Egyptians were the first people to use crystals as an adornment to ward off illness and negative energy. Modern-day use of crystals is found among many healers influenced by the Chinese concept of “chi,” or life energy. There is also another group who align themselves with the Hindu/Buddhist concept of “chakras,” vortices of life energy connecting both supernatural and physical elements within the body.
These elements of healing are viewed as an alternative to conventional, Western medicine. Stones, crystals and magnets are used to cure and protect against ailments. Practitioners believe crystals and the like are conduits for positive healing energy to flow into the body. Simultaneously, the bad energy, or illness, is evacuated from the body.