Crystal healing for congestion

Congestion is the short from for nasal and sinus congestion. Nasal congestion or “stuffy nose” occurs when nasal and adjacent tissues like the sinuses and blood vessels become swollen with excess fluid, causing a “stuffy” plugged feeling in the nose. Many people think that their nose gets congested from too much thick mucus. But, usually, your nose gets stuffy when the tissues lining it become swollen. The swelling is usually due to inflamed blood vessels. The nose has a rich supply of blood vessels lining the inside which serves to deliver body heat to the nasal cavity, so inhaled air is warmed before it leaves the nasal cavity. The heat also evaporates moisture from the epithelium to humidify the incoming air. This rich supply of blood vessels however, becomes an issue when there is nasal congestion.

Why is my nose and face feeling so congested?

Congestion happens in the nose due to a process that happens to body tissues when they are sick called inflammation. Inflammation of the inner lining of the nose (mucosa) underlies many of the specific and interrelated factors that contribute to nasal congestion and feeling of obstruction. A wide range of biologically active agents are released during inflammation which contribute to changes like engorgement of the rich blood vessels, increased nasal secretions and swelling or edema of the surrounding lining of the nasal cavity.  This will ultimately lead to impaired airflow and the sensation of nasal congestion. The nerves in the nose are also affected by inflammation and they tend to exaggerate the effect of the stuffiness, making you feel much more uncomfortable and congested than you may actually be. The sinuses are air filled spaces within the bones of the face. Their work is to make the face lighter. The sinuses in the face are connected with the nasal cavity and have the same inner lining so basically the same thing that happens in the nose can easily spread to the sinuses through the connections, giving you have a ‘draggy’ feeling on your face and making you feel even worse.

What causes nasal and sinus congestion?

Inflammation of the inner lining of the nose and sinuses which causes congestion can be triggered by a lot of factors. As a rule, anything that can irritate the tissues can cause nasal congestion. The commonest cause is by infections such as colds, flu or sinusitis; and allergies caused by things like expose to dust, pollen, strong perfumes, and animal dander.

Other causes include:

Irritants such as tobacco smoke and car exhaust.

Nasal and sinus infections like acute sinusitis

Dry air

Enlarged adenoids

Food, especially spicy dishes

Foreign body in the nose

Alcohol

Decongestant nasal spray overuse

Deviated septum

Hormonal changes

Some medications used to treat high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, depression, seizures and other conditions

Nasal polyps

Other nasal tumors

Pregnancy

Stress

Thyroid disorders

Changes in temperature like dry, cold winters, forced air heating and

Use of supplemental oxygen

What are the symptoms of nasal and sinus congestion?

The symptoms of nasal congestion are often noticed together with the underlying causes. These are: Runny nose

Stuffiness or stuffy feeling in the nose

Sneezing.

Snoring.

Sore throat.

Watery eyes.

Nosebleeds.

Upper jaw or tooth pain

Sinus pressure

Sinus headaches and migraines in some cases

Reduced sense of smell and taste

Post-nasal drip, which can lead to a cough and/or sore throat

Difficulty talking, eating, or sleeping because of difficulty in breathing

Feeling of unwellness

Difficulty in fully participating in daily activities

What is crystal healing?

Crystal healing is a pseudoscientific alternative-medicine practice that uses semiprecious stones and crystals such as quartz, agate, amethyst or opal. It is a holistic and natural therapy that taps into the energetic power of crystals and how they affect the body and mind.

It is also called Gemstones therapeutics, which is a part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM refers to a group of medical and health systems, practices, disciplines and products that are not considered a part of conventional medicine. According to estimates, more than 80% of the developing world utilizes CAM, and half of the developed world also uses CAM.

What are the popular healing crystals for health?

Out of the many crystals that are used for different purposes, the following have found popularity in being used for health purposes.

Clear quartz: a clear crystal considered a master healer and believed to support the entire energetic system.

Jasper: a nurturing stone said to provide support during times of stress

Obsidian: believed to help process emotions and experiences and aid in letting go

Amethyst: used for healing, purifying, and enhancing willpower

Bloodstone: said to improve circulation and provide support to blood-related issues

How does Crystal healing work?

Crystal healing is an energy-based system. This means it is based on the belief that we are all made up of different energies and that when this becomes stagnant, unbalanced or blocked, it can cause illness. The premise is that crystals help unblock, balance and direct energy where it is most needed, gently supporting the body to heal in a therapeutic way. A crystal therapist will place healing crystals on or around a client to help unblock, focus and direct energy. Practitioners of crystal healing believe they can boost low energy, prevent bad energy, release blocked energy, and transform a body’s aura. Different types of crystals are thought to have different properties and energies. Just holding and being near these crystals is therefore thought to affect our own energies on a physical, spiritual and emotional level.

Research on crystals and gemstone effectiveness is very limited, and there is currently almost no scientific evidence of its effectiveness in curing diseases. According to the Times of India, some of its purported healing properties is due to placebo effect which means that even though in itself it has no ingredient to treat an ailment, the healing effect maybe by the power of suggestion.

How are crystals used for congestion?

Several crystals have been proposed for the relief and prevention of nasal and sinus congestion. Practitioners of crystal therapy claim there is a ‘third eye chakra’ which is located in the middle of the forehead, which is where the pressure from sinus congestion is commonly felt. They believe that if the ‘third eye chakra’ is blocked or imbalanced, you might feel sinus congestion, and if there is not enough energy flowing through your third eye chakra you will feel sluggish and lazy. Several stones to help in nasal and sinus congestion currently in the market include:

Aventurine, which is claimed to increases the power of homeopathic remedies, and to have anti-inflammatory effect that can assist allergies.

Fluorite –  for clearing or drainage releasing congestion

Amethyst to relieve pressure between the eyes

Other stones used for congestion are sodalite and lepidolite.

There are different ways of using healing crystals for sinus congestion depending on the symptoms and causes. You may be asked to meditate with the crystals, wear them, or have them by you when you are sleeping.

Does crystal healing for congestion work?

Crystal healing when prescribed for people with congestion is usually for mild cases or those not associated with other causes. Even though some people have reported feeling better with crystal healing, there is no scientific evidence to back this up, and recovery sometimes may be due to the placebo effect and calming effects of relaxation, meditation, and sleeping associated with the use of the crystals.

Also, since the commonest causes of congestion which are due to viruses and allergies can resolve on their own, the cure attributed to crystals would most likely have happened with or without their use

It is always advised you visit your doctor if you are using crystal therapy and your congestion is not going away of you are getting worse. You can also use other more effective, proven remedies.

 What are other effective remedies for congestion?

Effective home remedies for congestion include staying hydrated, steam inhalation; use of Eucalyptus oil; and applying warm, wet towels on the face and over the cheek bones. There may also be need for over-the-counter medications like anti-allergy drugs, pain killers, and nasal decongestants. However, caution should be taken with nasal decongestants as discontinuation may worsen the symptoms.

If the symptoms continue to get worse or you notice warning signs like discharge from only one side of the nose, particularly if it contains pus or blood, Face pain, tenderness, or both, increasing difficulty in breathing, please see your doctor.