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In Indian culture, adornment and spirituality have long been intertwined. Ayurvedic traditions reflect this through Mani Dharana Vidhi, a gemstone therapy practice rooted in Vedic astrology and ancient ideas surrounding energy within the body. Believed to date back to between 3000 BCE and 1500 BCE, the practice centres on wearing particular gemstones and semi-precious stones as amulets intended to influence the body’s energetic state.
According to the study, different stones correspond to different chakras and frequencies within the body, with the potential to support emotional stability, spiritual awareness, and physical health. Practitioners believe these stones absorb and channel cosmic energies while helping rebalance the body’s doshas.
What makes this tradition especially fascinating is that crystals belong as much to the modern world as they do to the old world. Quartz, one of the most abundant crystals on earth, possesses measurable vibrational properties that have been utilised in technologies ranging from wristwatches to computers. The same material revered for centuries within sacred traditions also forms part of the invisible mechanics that keep modern life in motion.
Though rooted in traditions thousands of years old, crystals continue to resonate within contemporary culture, finding new audiences through the growing appetite for spiritual wellness. Curious to explore how they are being understood today, Masala spoke with energy healing practitioner and content creator Nanki Chularatnaphol about her own experiences within the practice and their place within contemporary wellness.
What first drew you to crystals and their healing properties?
During the beginning of COVID-19, when many were starting small businesses and ventures, I realised I wanted to do something I genuinely liked and could continue building in the future. I noticed there were not many online crystal businesses at the time and something about it just clicked for me.
When I first started selling crystals, there were certain pieces I felt deeply connected to, so instead of selling them, I kept them for myself and slowly built my own collection too.
How would you explain crystal healing to someone completely unfamiliar with it?
To me, crystals are like having your dear friend next to you. We all go through different emotions throughout the day, and crystals carry their own positive energy and vibration that can influence how we feel, similar to how people around us affect our mood and energy. Everything is energy; humans, emotions, nature, and crystals as well.
What drew you towards sharing crystal knowledge with a Thai audience in particular?
When I first started, there was not a lot of accessible information about crystals in Thai. Most of the content available was in English, so I wanted to create content that Thais could understand more easily. I wanted spirituality and healing to feel more approachable, and less intimidating for a Thai audience.
India has deep traditions surrounding gemstones, astrology, and energy. Do you see contemporary crystal healing as connected to those roots, or as something different?
I definitely see a connection. For centuries, people have always looked to nature for healing, protection, guidance, and comfort, and I think crystal healing is simply another expression of that.
Even in Indian culture, there are many practices connected to energy and intention, like wearing the evil eye for protection or hanging nimbu mirchi outside homes and shops to remove negative energy. So, I think the idea of objects carrying meaning, energy, and intention has existed across cultures for a very long time.
Do you think people are actually searching for crystals, or are they searching for comfort?
I believe people are searching for comfort, clarity, hope, or something that helps them feel emotionally supported, and crystals simply become part of that path. Especially nowadays, people often find themselves feeling stressed and overwhelmed in their day-to-day lives. Crystals can help ease these feelings, offering a sense of peace, grounding, and intention.
Certain groups view crystals as placebo items. Does that diminish their value in your opinion?
Some people call it placebo and honestly, in my opinion, many things in life work that way. If you truly believe something helps you, your mind and body can respond positively to it. It is similar to how people react to sugar pills in placebo studies.
For me, crystals work in a similar way, but they also naturally carry their own high vibration and energy, which can enhance that experience.
Why do you think crystal culture appeals so strongly to women in particular?
I think wellness, self-care, and emotional healing are spaces many women naturally connect with, although crystals are definitely becoming popular with everyone. Women also tend to enjoy collecting meaningful and beautiful things. Crystals combine both energy and aesthetics together.
What kind of crystals do you find your clientele most drawn to?
Rose quartz is always one of the most popular crystals because of its soft pink color and connection to love and emotional healing.
Amethyst is also very loved. It has such a beautiful purple color, and you will often see large amethyst pieces displayed in homes because they are both calming and visually stunning.
How should beginners start exploring crystals without feeling intimidated?
Start simple and follow what naturally attracts you. You do not need to know everything immediately. Choose one or two crystals that you feel connected to, and focus more on your own experience rather than memorising spiritual properties. Crystal healing should feel supportive and personal, not overwhelming.
For readers hoping to explore the world of crystals and spiritual healing further, where can they find you?
Readers can find me through @crystalholic_thailand and @consciouslywithnanki on Instagram and TikTok, where I share content about crystals, healing, mindfulness, and energy work in both Thai and English.