During a reiki healing session many people experience sensations in their body. You may see colours, images, or experience head pressure and tingling during reiki therapy. For most people, Reiki makes them feel deeply relaxed or energised. However, some people may also experience ‘after effects’ following their reiki session.
It can be common for some people to experience detoxification reactions when they begin a program of natural healing. This is classically referred to as a healing crisis / healing reaction and occurs when the body is expelling toxins into the different systems of the body. The healing crisis is a normal process that some people may experience on their journey to wellness.
The medical term for healing crisis is the “Herxheimer Reaction”. This occurs when the cells release toxins into circulation but the elimination organs (skin, lungs, liver, kidneys, bladder & GI tract) are not able to eliminate them quickly enough. The toxins remain in circulation and can affect the brain stem region leading to nausea, poor coordination, headaches, fatigue, malaise, fever, etc.
A healing reaction is a natural part of the healing process and unique for each individual. Most people experience very mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all, while others experience more severe issues. These symptoms are temporary and will subside as the body gets healthier and able to eliminate toxins more effectively. Symptoms usually disappear within a few days but on rare occasions can last a few weeks.
For those who experience a healing crisis, it is easy to think that the reiki healing is hurting them. This could not be further from the truth. When toxins or pathogens remain in the body for an extended time, it leads to poorer health and being susceptible to disease.
People who are already suffering from major illnesses or chronic diseases may suffer from more extreme reactions. This may explain why someone would have a brief flare-up in their condition.
The most common symptoms associated with a healing crisis include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, night sweats, hot/cold flashes, increased blood pressure, headaches, joint pain, & fatigue.
Therefore, the following reactions may occur within 24 hours after the treatment and may last for several days. They are most evident following the initial few sessions.
- Passing more urine: There may be changes in the volume, odour and colour.
- Bowel movement increase: Increase in bulk, stronger odour, wind, occasionally you may experience a poorly tummy.
- Cold Like Symptoms: Increased mucus, runny nose, sore throat, changes in body temperature may occur.
- Increase in perspiration: a natural part of the detox process.
- Old Conditions: These can reappear briefly even after years of being managed by drugs or other healing modalities. If the condition was not fully healed or the root cause for the ailment was not addressed and treated then these old conditions may be activated after reiki healing – regular reiki treatments may help to heal the root cause.
- Sleeping: You may experience vivid dreams and deeper, calmer sleep.
- Headaches / head pressure: Reiki often helps with headaches or migraines. Occasionally as part of the healing process you may experience one or two headaches and some dizziness.
- Energy levels: Following treatment most people feel very relaxed. Some people experience increased energy, but be gentle with yourself – resting after your treatment is best for your optimum healing.
- Nausea: Some people feel slight nausea after Reiki treatments. On rare occasions some people are physically sick.
- Aches and pains can sometimes occur as part of the purging process.
- Emotional reactions: After a Reiki treatment you may feel a range of emotions including feeling tearful, peaceful, or joyful. Reiki healing can bring up emotions and trauma which have been suppressed – it is brought up so that it can be purged and healed.
Aftercare advice for dealing with a Reiki Healing Reaction:
- See this as a sign of progress and healing.
- Drink plenty of water to aid the detox process. Ideally add electrolytes for optimum hydration!
- Do conscious breathwork to connect with your body.
- Somatic exercises may aid the healing and purging process.
- Be gentle with yourself, get more rest and sleep when needed.
- Gentle exercise and fresh air – walking is ideal!
- Grounding – get out in nature and place your bare feet on the earth to ground the energy.
- Reduce sugar, alcohol, and caffeine intake.
- Try and maintain a positive mental attitude.
- Get in touch for further advice if needed.
Disclaimer: Healing and medicine are two separate disciplines which can complement each other. Reiki is the art of natural healing, not the practice of medicine. Reiki is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, professional medical care and treatment. In the case of any serious medical ailment or condition, you should always consult your doctor for advice.
Disclaimer – Golden Heart Healing: Melissa Brannlund and anyone associated with this work, inclusive of, but not limited to Golden Heart Healing, make no claims, promises or guarantees and are neither diagnosing nor treating specific health or life challenges. You are solely responsible for seeing to and continuing with your own medical treatment and care.
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