809: Crystal Healing | Skeptical Sunday

4 snips

Mar 12, 2023

In a candid conversation, fact-checker and comedian David C. Smalley dives into the billion-dollar crystal healing industry. He humorously examines the rise of beliefs surrounding crystals, from their alleged energy-storing abilities to celebrity endorsements boosting popularity. The duo tackles pseudoscientific claims and explores the placebo effect, revealing how perceptions of wellness can impact people's beliefs. Smalley also addresses the historical and cultural significance of crystals, while advocating for critical thinking in evaluating alternative therapies.

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ANECDOTE

Claimed Crystal Properties

Different crystals supposedly have different properties, from improving circulation (bloodstone) to boosting creativity (citrine).
Some crystals are even marketed for attracting wealth or love.

ADVICE

Charging Crystals

Charge crystals by leaving them in sunlight or moonlight.
"High vibration tones," like humming or playing sounds, also supposedly charge them.

INSIGHT

Crystal Healing Theory

Crystal healing theory posits that everything has an energy frequency.
Crystals supposedly help realign disrupted frequencies in the body's chakra points.

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The crystal industry generates over $1 billion per year. But what exactly do crystals do? Some have said they store energy. Others say they have healing powers. But what does the science say?

Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and fact-checker, comedian, and podcast host David C. Smalley break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions.

On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:

Over the last five years, the number of Google searches for "crystal healing" has more than doubled — fueled, in part, by celebrity endorsements from the likes of Katy Perry, Kate Hudson, and Adele, who has been known to clutch one during performances to combat stage fright.
A Himalayan pink salt lamp — marketed as having mood-boosting properties — was one of Amazon's best-selling home-improvement products over the 2017 holiday season among its Prime subscribers.
Different crystals are said to possess certain powers — from bloodstone (which purports to improve circulation) to citrine (for enthusiasm and creativity bolstering) to sapphire (to prompt prosperity).
According to Pew Research, whether you're the most staunch Christian or consider yourself "religiously unaffiliated," there’s a 62% chance that you believe in at least one New Age belief —including crystals storing energy. This probably accounts for the crystal industry raking in more than $1 billion per year.
Is this all a load of poppycock, or does science lend any credibility to claims that crystals are anything but pretty rocks imbued with perfectly normal rock powers?
Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
Connect with David at his website, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and make sure to check out The David C. Smalley Podcast here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts! If you like to get out of your house and catch live comedy, keep an eye on David's tour dates here and text David directly at (424) 306-0798 for tickets when he comes to your town!

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/809

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