I've learned a lot in the year plus working at the Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing. I truly enjoy working with such talented and passionate people! My goal with going back to work part time while I raised my little ones was mostly to not lose touch with the career I loved. That is the wonderful thing about this field of work...if you  open yourself to the experience the rewards just pour in! In my quest to "not get rusty" I'm not only back doing what I love, I'm also endlessly learning along the way. One unexpected interest I came across the past year is using crystals/minerals/stones as part of my healing modalities. I've worked with hot stones for years but learned a new appreciation for setting my intentions to heal and letting that healing vibrational energy come through the crystals and stones  themselves. There is something so beautiful about using things that only the earth can make (although man will no doubt try to mimic). It is humbling and gratifying to harness powerful energies that I can't and probably won't be able to explain in my lifetime.  I've just scratched the surface on understanding the complexities of these new tools but have been pleasantly surprised how naturally they fit in with my style of practice. I'm careful not to push this on clients that may shy away from "out there" theories because at the end of the day my goal is to reach each individual clients deepest state of comfort and relaxation. That is why I am always open to learning, knowing how unique every person I work with is, if I have knowledge I can share that will resonate with them then I can go home feeling I've done a good job.

Crystals 101:
“The crystal is a neutral object whose inner structure exhibits a state of perfection and balance. … Like a laser, it radiates energy in a coherent, highly concentrated form, and this energy may be transmitted into objects or people at will. … With proper training, a healer using a crystal can release negative thoughtforms which have taken shape as disease patterns.”

from Vibrational Medicine, by Richard Gerber, M.D.

Amethyst healing properties:

Used on third eye chakra

Amethyst is a powerful and protective stone. Amethyst is a natural tranquilizer, it relieves stress and strain, soothes irritability, balances mood swings, alleviates sadness and grief, and dissolves negativity.  Amethyst activates spiritual awareness, opens intuition and enhances psychic abilities.  It has strong healing and cleansing powers. It calms and stimulates the mind, helping you become more focused, enhancing memory and improving motivation. Amethyst boosts hormone production, tunes the endocrine system and metabolism.  It strengthens the immune system.  Relieves physical, emotional and psychological pain or stress.  Amethyst eases headaches and releases tension. Amethyst heals diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract, skin conditions, cellular disorders and diseases of the digestive tract.

If you are interested in trying out a healing spa service that uses crystals you should check out our Sacred Stone Facial and/or our Ayervedic Hot Stone Spa Ritual