Breaking the PTSD response and stuck memory syndrome — EMDR - The Basics

Crystal Prescriptions: The A-Z Guide to Over 1,200 Symptoms and Their Healing Crystals - Judy Hall 2006

Breaking the PTSD response and stuck memory syndrome — EMDR
The Basics

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is one of the ’first aid’ methods used in the field and as a treatment therapy by health professionals to desensitise ’stuck memory’ syndrome. It is equally useful for treating past life memories, phobias or transgenerational trauma. EMDR uses rapid eye movements to shift focus and take you into a calm space. Using a crystal with distinctive markings can assist your eyes to make the movements. Choose a flat faced, chunky crystal with pronounced bands or spirals (Shiva Shells, Banded Agate, Black Sardonyx and Malachite are excellent) and keep it in your pocket ready for action. This exercise works particularly well if you have the picture or feeling of the trauma in your mind, but it will also work if you concentrate on the feeling that a trigger has aroused in you. Do not try to push either the picture or the feeling away; instead let it fade naturally as your eyes move around the crystal.

Breaking the response

✵ When a memory or feeling surfaces, hold the crystal level with your eyes with your arm partially bent. Have the crystal as close to you as possible so that it fills your field of vision.

✵ Look left and focus on the topmost corner at the starting point of a band.

If using a circular banded crystal, follow the circle right around to your starting point i.e. move your eyes clockwise as you are facing it.

If using a spiral crystal, follow the spiral into the centre and out again.

If using a straight-banded crystal, look left. Lift your eyes up to the topmost corner of the crystal and move across looking left to right. Drop your gaze down to the bottom corner and then back towards your starting point on your left. When you reach the left, lift your eyes up to your starting point at the top.

✵ Time your breathing to fit in with the movements:

Image Breathe in as you go across to the right.

Image Breathe out as you go down and back to the left.

Image Begin to breathe in again as you move up to your starting point.

Image Repeat the cycle.

✵ As you do so, repeat to yourself, “This is a just a memory, it is fading, I am healing.”

Image If you are using a Shiva Shell, follow the line into the centre and then reverse direction and out again ten—twenty times.

✵ If you are using Banded Agate or Malachite, follow the lines around in one direction for seven circles and then reverse direction for seven circles.