A smooth polished stone brought forth to land by an ancient churning sea, often rested in the pockets and palms of many original Greeks, Irish and Tibetans. Also called “Palm Stones” and “Thumb Stones “, the idea of rubbing a stone in between the thumb and forefinger is almost as ancient as the stones themselves. Thought to originate in Greece, worry stones were typically taken from a body of water, and were smooth, small, and round or oval in shape.
Our body naturally understands what helps us to relax and what relieves stress. Having true therapeutic properties, it is no surprise that worry stones date back to ancient Greece, Mesopotamia, Tibet, the mounds and bogs of Ireland and to North American tribes as well. The Tibetans rubbed them in between thumb and forefinger while chanting mantras. The Irish believed that rubbing on a small piece of Connemara marble will free your life from all worries and bring good luck!
Through a process called acupressure, rubbing the stones between our fingers or in the palms of our hands stimulates many nerve endings. These points called pressure points connect to meridians within our body which stimulate specific areas of the brain. This allows the release of endorphins, creating a naturally calming and euphoric effect.
Coming into the forefront in the alternative medicine communities in the 1970’s, worry stones have increased in popularity, moving into the realm of therapeutic applications specifically for relieving stress, tension and anxiety. Rubbing a worry stone certainly relieves stress and when combined with prayer and meditation, this can have multiple benefits. Modern alternative therapies incorporate semiprecious stones that apply to a wide range of healing techniques. For example, a worry stone made from Rose Quartz is used to work and strengthen the heart chakra to allow love.
Kheops Intl., has numerous styles of worry stones to choose from. Here is a list of some common gemstones and their healing properties applied to meditation, Reiki, worry stones and prayer beads:
Clear Quartz: Applies to all chakras, especially crown (7th). Clear Quartz dispels negative energy and opens up the heart to higher guidance. It is a power stone. Helps for concentration, increases inspiration and creativity. Purifies the spiritual, mental, and physical plans, bringing an aura of protection.
Rose Quartz: In correspondence to the Heart Chakra (4th), it represents love, forgiveness, healing of the heart, compassion, tenderness, and peace. The Rose Quartz helps clean up anger and resentment in addition to bringing determination and commitment. It instills love of beauty in ourselves and others and encourages the good word.
Moonstone: In correspondence to the Sacral Chakra (2nd) & Crown Chakra (7th), the Moonstone is known for its capacity to enhance and increase intuition. It is a birthing stone often used by midwives and shamans as it enhances psychic perceptions, clairvoyance and lucid dreaming. This stone also provides protection to travelers and helps connecting with nature.
Moss Agate: This stone allows clarity of vision, new beginnings, abundance and growth. It promotes healthy agriculture, draws in new business and gradual expansion besides creating stability. Moss Agate, a grounding stone, relieves stress, clears personal energy systems for better growth.
White Selenite: In correspondence to the third eye Chakra (6th) and the “Soul Star” Chakra (8th), white selenite embodies a high vibration energy that promotes spiritual growth and removes blockages that prevent healing along with personal and spiritual growth. It increases mental clarity, clears negative energies and cleans all chakras from root to Crown.
Black Onyx: Powerful protector, black Onyx absorbs and transforms negative energy, prevents energy drain, develops emotional and physical strength and stamina, provides support in times of great stress, heals grief, encourages happiness and good fortune. It is a stone that promotes meditation and acts as support for healing.