Using Crystals with Reiki for Healing

Reiki is an intuitive energy that flows exactly where it’s needed, whether we’re offering it to someone else or using it for ourselves. It works beautifully on its own but, over time, many Reiki practitioners find themselves drawn to adding in other supportive tools into their practice. One of the most common, and often very rewarding, additions is using crystals.

Why combine crystals with Reiki?

Crystals have been used for centuries in healing, ceremony and self-discovery. Each one carries its own vibration and, whilst they’re in no way essential for Reiki to work, they can enhance the experience, helping to amplify intention, create balance, and strengthen the healing environment.

When you combine crystals with Reiki, it’s not increasing energy or replacing anything, it’s simply introducing another natural element into the space. Think of crystals as an added extra. They can help focus your energy, support emotional release and sometimes bring a greater sense of connection or clarity.

Some people feel a difference when crystals are used. Others may feel more relaxed or simply enjoy the sight and feeling of the crystals around them. As with everything in Reiki, there’s no one right way, it’s about what feels right for you and the people you support.

My first experience with crystals and Reiki

When I first began exploring crystals, I didn’t quite know what I was doing, but I was curious. I’d been taught that you could attune or empower crystals using Reiki, and that idea fascinated me. Intuitively, I held a crystal in my hand, invited Reiki to flow and trusted that something meaningful was happening, even if I couldn’t see it.

That small experiment opened up a whole new dimension to my Reiki practice. I found myself more focused during sessions, more in tune with the energy and more connected to the idea of creating a sacred space, whether for myself or for others.

Choosing the right crystals

There’s a huge variety of crystals and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But it doesn’t have to be complicated, and there is no right or wrong way to do this.

Some people choose crystals based on traditional meanings or properties. Others simply pick the one they’re drawn to in the moment. Both approaches are valid. I mostly let my hands or heart choose for me, but sometimes I will place crystals on the body aligned to the chakras and their colours.

Here are a few of my favourite crystals to use in Reiki:

• Amethyst - A beautiful, calming crystal that supports emotional balance and spiritual connection.

• Rose Quartz - Perfect for heart healing, self-love, and inner child work. So gentle, so soothing.

• Clear Quartz – Often known as the ‘master healer’, it amplifies whatever intention you set and blends well with other crystals.

• Black Tourmaline or Obsidian – Good for grounding and releasing unwanted energies.

It’s best to cleanse the crystals that you use a lot, particularly if they’ve been placed on the body or handled by different people.

How to use crystals with Reiki

Crystals can be used in so many ways during Reiki sessions. Here are some simple approaches I use:

• On the body – I may place crystals on or near the chakras, depending on what’s needed. For example, rose quartz near the heart or amethyst on the third eye.

• Around the client – Surrounding the recipient with crystals can help create a calming space or support a specific intention. And using a selenite wand at the end of a healing to ‘cleanse’ or ‘smooth’ the aura field.

• In my hands – Sometimes I hold a crystal whilst giving Reiki, especially during self-treatments or distance healing.

• In the space – Even having a few crystals placed thoughtfully in the room can shift the energy subtly and create a peaceful atmosphere. I have many in my therapy space.

Occasionally, I’ll use a crystal point or wand to help direct energy, but only if it feels intuitive and appropriate for the session.

And it doesn’t have to be a physical crystal you use with Reiki. You can use or pick a crystal oracle card, or even just connect with a crystal in your mind as you channel Reiki.

Working with clients

It’s always important to check in with clients before using crystals, to let them know what’s happening. Some people are very open to it; others may not be familiar and appreciate a simple explanation.

More often than not, I find that clients enjoy the added presence of the crystals, even if they don’t fully understand the how or why. Trust your intuition; if you feel drawn to place a certain crystal somewhere, go with it. You don’t need to know the logic behind it; Reiki will guide you.

Using crystals in self-healing

Crystals can be a lovely addition to your self-healing Reiki practice. You might:

• Hold a crystal in your hand while you rest your other hand over your heart or abdomen.

• Place a crystal near you during meditation.

• Set an intention - for clarity, grounding, emotional release - and choose a crystal to support it.

After your self-healing session, try journaling about how you feel or what came up. You may start to notice patterns over time.

Caring for your crystals

Just like we take time to ground and refresh ourselves, crystals benefit from a bit of care too.

You can cleanse and recharge your crystals in many ways:

• Holding them in your hands and letting Reiki flow through them.

• Placing them in moonlight, especially at full moon.

• Using sound; a singing bowl or chime.

• Using other crystals, like selenite or clear quartz.

I often put crystals to one side a session and let them rest, just as I sometimes need to take a break myself.

Meditate with crystals

Here’s a simple practice you can try at home:

1. Choose a crystal that draws your attention.

2. Sit with it in your hands.

3. Close your eyes and ask, “What do I need to receive today?”

4. Let the Reiki flow. Just notice what you feel, without judgement or expectation.

This is a great way to begin or end your day, or to reconnect when life feels a little chaotic.

Final thoughts

Of course, you don’t need crystals at all to practise Reiki. The energy will always flow, always support, always heal in its own way. But if you feel drawn to crystals, they can be wonderful companions, adding depth, clarity and intention to your healing work.

We sometimes share ideas around this and other things in our Reiki shares and training, and you’re always welcome to join us if you’d like to explore more.

Whether you’re brand new to Reiki or a Reiki Master, I invite you to explore with an open mind, curiosity, and trust in your own inner wisdom.

If you have any questions or would like to know more, reach out to hello@reikinorthwales.com