What Is a Healing Crisis? Understanding the Bump on the Road to Wellness
I thought I would write this blog post after a client recently contacted me to say they felt unwell after their treatment. It lasted the night and they felt back to normal in the morning. What they had experienced is known as a ‘healing crisis’, or I prefer the phrase ‘healing response.’
Rest assured, lots of people do not experience this, or at least the symptoms are very minor, however for some people they can experience more severe symptoms.
If you’ve ever started a detox, cleaned up your diet, or begun a new holistic therapy—only to suddenly feel worse before feeling better—you’re not alone. It might seem counterintuitive, but what you’re experiencing could actually be a healing response.
Wait…what? Let’s unpack this.
What Is a Healing Response?
A healing response is a temporary worsening of symptoms that can happen when your body is detoxing or going through a major healing process. It’s like your body is doing a deep clean—and in the process, it stirs up some stuff that needs to be dealt with before you feel that refreshed, renewed glow.
Why Does It Happen?
When you begin a new wellness routine—like starting herbal supplements, switching to a whole-foods diet, cutting sugar, going for a complementary therapy treatment, or beginning energy healing—your body may suddenly start releasing toxins that have been stored in your tissues.
As these toxins enter your bloodstream to be flushed out, you might feel the effects physically and emotionally.
Common Symptoms of a Healing Response
Symptoms can vary, but often mimic the very issues you’re trying to improve. Some common ones include:
- Headaches or body aches
- Fatigue or low energy
- Digestive upset (bloating, gas, nausea, or diarrhoea)
- Skin breakouts or rashes
- Mood swings or irritability
- Flu-like symptoms (chills, mild fever, congestion)
- Emotional releases (crying, anxiety, vivid dreams)
It can feel frustrating, especially when you’re doing everything right, but it’s often a sign that your body is working hard to heal.
How Long Does It Last?
Most people only experience this for a few hours after their treatment but it can last a few days to a week. Factors like how many toxins are being released, how fast your body can eliminate them, and the method of healing you’re using all play a role in how long you will experience a healing response.
What Can You Do to Support the Process?
While you can’t always avoid a healing response you can support your body through it:
- Stay hydrated – Water helps flush toxins out. Herbal teas can be soothing, too.
- Rest – Your body needs energy to heal. Prioritise sleep and take breaks.
- Eat clean, gentle foods – Avoid processed foods, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Support elimination pathways – Taking gentle exercise, like walking or yoga can help get everything moving.
- Listen to your body – If something feels too intense or off, don’t push through—seek guidance.
- Talk to a practitioner – Especially if symptoms persist or worsen.
Ensure you follow any aftercare advice from your complementary therapist.
It’s Temporary—And Often a Sign of Progress
Healing isn’t always linear. Sometimes, things get stirred up before they settle. While a healing response can feel uncomfortable, it’s often reminder that your body is intelligent, capable, and doing the deep work of rebalancing. And that the treatment you have received is powerful.
So if you’re going through it—be gentle with yourself. Support the process, and trust that brighter days (and better health) are on the horizon.
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