Crystal healers believe that each living organism has a "vibrational energy system," which includes chakras, electromagnetic fields auras and meridians.

Using the appropriate crystals, healers can re-tune and re-balance these energies, thus improving well-being and giving the body a chance to relax which in turn aids the body's natural healing abilities and immune system.

The earliest recorded use of crystals for healing comes from Egypt circa 1550 BC. The Ebers papyrus a medical treatise covering all sorts of ancient treatments including cancer cites the use of many different types of gem stones for medicinal use while India's own ancient system of health care Ayurvedic also records the use of gems by healers.

Several shamanistic cultures have also practised crystal healing, including the Inuit Indians of Canada.

Some reiki practitioners will incorporate crystals as part of their healing techniques while others may adopt the use of crystals on their own with no attachment to reiki.