Sometimes, to recover completely, we need a period of feeling a little worse. Natural healthcare practitioners often call this period of turmoil a “healing crisis”. It is caused by the body dramatically returning to homeostasis from a state of illness or even just imbalance.
Your Body's Natural Balance - Homeostasis
This is the scientific word used to describe balance within all of the systems of an organism. This is the natural state of our bodies and minds. In fact, illness and disease are simply shifts away from homeostasis. Symptoms often arise when the body works to restore homeostasis. For example, a runny nose during a cold reflects the body's immune repsonse, not direct viral damage. More intense symptoms may indicate an active immune response. This response can support faster clearing of illness and restoration of balance. Homeostasis is our natural condition, and it is only with external obstacles that we become ill.
What Is The Healing Crisis?
When the body is returning to homeostasis following some sort of physical, emotional, mental or spiritual cleansing, it goes through an unstable process called a “healing crisis”. A healing crisis is not a formally recognized scientific term. However, it describes symptoms that appear as the body restores balance and natural function. To actually heal the root cause of the problem, it’s important to allow the body to experience the full range of symptoms, as suppression will only distract the body from achieving homeostasis. Suppression might make us feel better in the present, but it could not only prolong the issue, it can also make our current situation more uncomfortable.
When Does The Healing Crisis Happen?
Healing crises most commonly occur during periods of cleansing and recovery. The body often behaves like a murky sink with a partially clogged drain. As long as the tap runs, the sink fills with dirty water. When you stop the inflow of toxins, the system can begin to function more effectively. Adding a drain cleaning product clears the blockage, and water flows out quickly, creating a strong vortex. As healing progresses, clarity increases as the murky water clears. Hidden issues, like unwashed dishes, become visible and can be addressed for better internal balance. This flushing process represents a healing crisis. It often occurs during detoxification, candida cleanses, fasting, or constitutional homeopathic treatment. In this metaphor, the drain cleaner supports the clearing process.
What Does a Healing Crisis Look Like?
Healing crisis symptoms vary for each person. Clinicians often observe two common types. First, the body may undergo sudden physical cleansing that resembles a common cold. The symptoms commonly experienced with this are: headache, fatigue, joint and body aches, runny nose, rash, and diarrhea. The second most common type of healing crisis appears as a return of old symptoms. The body may resurface unresolved physical or emotional symptoms. It often releases previously suppressed patterns to resolve root causes. Mental-emotional healing crises can feel intense because they surface buried thoughts and feelings. It is important to seek help in these times to discover proper coping techniques. Journaling can be extremely helpful in getting those thoughts and feelings out onto paper so we can reflect on them and incorporate their lessons into our lives.
How Can I Detoxify My Body?
If you plan a cleanse, detoxification, or constitutional homeopathic treatment, you can take steps to prepare for a possible healing crisis. First off, it is important to remember that the healing crisis is a natural step towards a state of even better health. It is your body’s (mind’s, and soul’s) natural way of restoring homeostasis. Always try to start your detoxification or cleanse program slowly to help ease your way through the transition, and prevent our aforementioned metaphorical vortex effect. Be prepared to deal with things from your past, and have strategies for coping with physical and mental-emotional ramifications. Journaling is an excellent strategy to have on hand, and it is often beneficial to explain to those around you what may occur to avoid any interpersonal issues from developing. Be sure to support your body with healthy, unprocessed foods and support detoxification pathways. Drink plenty of water and take the time to rest and assimilate all the new information that your body is providing. The lessons learned during a healing crisis can last a lifetime.
