The process of natural healing sometimes includes a healing crisis, also known as the detox reaction, the cleansing reaction or the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. During a healing crisis, you can feel even worse than before you started your detox program. The good news is that this reaction is likely a sign that you’re getting better.

Dr. Edward Group, DC NP says:

“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.”

Symptoms vary from person to person but can include:

• fatigue
• diarrhea
• aches and soreness
• low-grade fever
• anxiety
• nausea
• skin irritations
• stuffy nose
• congestion
• constipation

A healing crisis generally lasts about 3 days – but can vary.  The more severe the toxicity, the more intense the detoxification symptoms.

Ways to ease symptoms of a cleansing crisis:

• Get plenty of rest and sleep
• Change your work-out regime – At this time don’t push yourself too hard
• Use enemas or colonics to give fast relief
• Hot tub, steam bath or Sauna
• Massage
• Castor Oil packs over the abdomen / liver
• Exfoliate the skin with a dry skin brush
• DRINK PURE WATER…. often throughout the day

The body must go through an elimination process to achieve good health. There will be ups and downs. Symptoms can be mild or severe, but they are indicative of the cleansing, purifying process that is underway. Don’t push your body too hard – this is not an endurance contest. If your symptoms are too severe – back off and regroup. Let your body’s elimination systems catch up. Then you can slowly ease back in again. In my experience with myself and others – the ups and downs become fewer as a higher level of health is achieved and enjoyed.