What is a ‘Healing Crisis’?

Sometimes after a Holistic treatment, you may feel your symptoms get worse before they get better. For example, if you suffer from psoriasis, you may experiences an increase in breakouts for a period of time while the body eliminates any toxins from the skin. Occasionally after a holistic treatment, you may also experience reactions when the body begins its self-healing process and elimination of toxins. This is called a healing crisis. It is also known as a healing response, healing reaction, cleansing reaction, and detox reaction. There are a wide range of reactions which may occur after you have had a treatment. The most common include:

• A drop in body temperature
• Tiredness
• Deep sleep or difficulty sleeping and vivid dreams
• Irritability
• An increase in perspiration
• Spots
• Cold/flu-like symptoms
• An increase in urination
• An increase in bowel movements
• Wind
• An Increase in appetite
• Nausea
• Changes in mood
• An increase in joint or muscle pain
• Headaches

These reactions are only temporary and should clear within 24 - 48 hours. Not everyone will experience these reactions and the severity of the reaction depends on the level of toxins in your body, what toxins are being released, the condition of the organs eliminating the toxins and your energy levels at the time of the treatment. These reactions tend to occur more frequently after your first treatment. After I’ve had a massage, I usually feel quite tired with a slight headache and then feel a little achy the next day.

Make sure you drink plenty of water after a treatment to help you through any healing crisis you may experience. The water will help to flush out the toxins and waste products and speed up detoxification. Eating a healthy diet with lots of fruit and vegetables can also help speed up the removal of toxins from the body. Try to rest and sleep well, as this can help improve your energy levels and the symptoms will become milder and will go a lot quicker.

During the healing crisis, try not to suppress these temporary symptoms with medication or the healing process may become interrupted.

Always remember to take note of any reactions you may have after a treatment and let your therapist know at your next appointment.

Be happy you are having these reactions – they are positive signals that the body has responded to the treatment, is cleansing itself of toxins and waste products, and is balancing itself.