Healing Crisis

When build up on nerve endings is broken down through reflexology it shatters into the surrounding area where it is absorbed by the surrounding tissue and ultimately flushed out of the body.  As a result of this freeing of toxins, many clients of reflexology experience what is known as a "healing crisis." For many this means temporary cold or flu symptoms, lasting 1-3 days.  This is one of the ways your body relieves itself of toxins and as such, these symptoms should not be suppressed.

Other patients of reflexology may experience a temporary worsening of symptoms or temporary presence of old symptoms.  Neck pain from an accident years ago, for example.  All of these reactions are normal and should be short lived. Many people get discouraged when they experience a healing crisis, thinking they are worse off than before their session. Do not be discouraged if you have these symptoms.  It simply means it is working!  Your body is rebooting and getting back on track. It is remembering when and where the problem occurred while retracing and renewing nerve pathways.

The frequency & symptoms of a healing crisis should decrease as you continue your reflexology sessions.  If your symptoms feel severe you should talk to your Reflexologist about possibly having shorter but more frequent visits to lessen the effects.  Many have found the process of a healing crisis and it's symptoms can be sped up through a juice fast.  Please talk with your doctor before starting a juice fast or any other cleansing.  Drinking eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day can also be helpful in removing toxins.

Still others will experience an emotional, rather than a physical,  healing crisis.  This often results in a cathartic cry during a session.  Do not be embarrassed, but let your emotions run their course.  This emotional cleansing can be very therapeutic, especially to those who have experienced an emotional trauma.

A friend of mine shared her experience:

"Both of my kids have been struggling so badly with both parents remarrying and various issues this year and one session with her and my son was sobbing, but it was a good sob. He was working through everything and now he tells me, 'I was having a hard time being happy but since she rubbed my feet it's just easier to be happy now mom!' Love it."

After the toxins and emotional blockage have been flushed from the body your body is better able to achieve homeostasis and heal itself.  Physically, mentally, and emotionally.