Tourmaline is classified as a semi precious stone and the gemstone can be found in a wide variety of colors. In fact far infrared therapy is widely used in japan by kikohshi people who heal by the laying of hands. Since schorl is known to have an electric charge both positive and negative on each end it is no mystery that black tourmaline can help balance left and right hemispheres of the brain and would be very helpful in the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as bipolar.