Understanding the Healing Crisis during a cleanse or detox...

by Wendy Humphris, ROHP

One of the most frustrating scenarios for Holistic healing professionals is a patient’s misunderstood response to the detoxification process – when the body begins to let go of toxins and release unhealthy emotional patterning. 
The healing crisis or Herxheimer response is a natural response to the release of toxins in the body. And unless a person already has a wonderfully clean diet and lifestyle, everyone will experience various degrees of a healing crisis. 

What is a Healing Crisis?
Environmental toxins accumulate in tissue throughout the body, especially fat tissue. Additionally, the human body has bacterial colonies. When you cleanse your body, the toxins dislodge and the bacteria die off and release endotoxins. When the toxins and waste are dislodged, the body begins to flush them into the bloodstream to be filtered and eliminated. This sudden circulation of toxins can temporarily impact your well being and symptoms of illness (sweating, fever, discomfort, etc.) may occur.

What are the Indications of a Healing Crisis?
The indications that you’re experiencing a healing crisis can include headache, nausea, and fever — symptoms typically experienced during illness. During the crisis, a recurrence of symptoms from long-forgotten illnesses may also occur. Symptoms of a healing crisis vary from one person to another and may include:

• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Aches and soreness
• Low-grade fever
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Nausea
• Skin irritations
• Stuffy nose
• Congestion
• Low blood pressure

How Long Does a Healing Crisis Last?
A healing crisis generally lasts around three days, depending on the individual and the severity of their situation. The more severe the toxicity, the more intense the healing crisis can be. As your body begins to expel toxins, your energy may decrease and you may begin to feel ill. If it happens, take it as a sign that your body is working to flush out toxins and waste.
 
What Else Can Cause a Healing Crisis?
Sometimes you don’t even need to begin a cleansing protocol to experience a healing crisis. Women who’ve participated in reflexology have reported experiencing the effects. Massage, sauna bathing, and other therapies may also dislodge toxins and encourage a healing crisis (and healing!).

How to Handle a Healing Crisis
For a cleanse- or detox-induced healing crisis, it’s important to stay hydrated with purified water to encourage your body to flush and expel the toxins. Depending on the detox program, lemon juice and herbal teas may also help flush out toxins and provide nutrients and antioxidants. Massage, acupuncture, EFT (emotional freedom technique), and meditation may be helpful for relieving the indications of a healing crisis, especially anxiety and stress.

Have You Experienced a Healing Crisis?
While a healing crisis may be difficult to endure, rest assured it will pass and you will be better because of it. What are your experiences before, during, and after a cleanse? Have you ever experienced a healing crisis? What was it like?

Share your experience in the comments!