Healing - why some feel worst or sick when healing begins?

Kristina Reinertsen
Jan 12
4 min read

Updated: Jan 14

Healing is not linear. You might feel like the treatment is making you sick. Here are some common signs that the treatment is in fact NOT making you sick, but rather you are on a healing journey that brings up new symptoms AND old ones pay a short visit

Healing Symptoms (also known as a "healing crisis" or "detox symptoms") are temporary physical, emotional, or mental reactions that can occur as your body, mind, or spirit adjusts to a healing process. These symptoms are often part of the natural process of releasing stored emotions, toxins, or energy and are a sign that healing is taking place.

Why Healing Symptoms Happen

When you engage in a healing practice (e.g., Spinal Flow, breathwork, energy healing, emotional release, deep meditations, cleansing diets or detoxification), your body and mind may begin to:

Release old trauma or repressed emotions.
Detoxify from built-up physical toxins or negative energy.
Recalibrate to a healthier state.

This can temporarily disrupt your balance as your system clears out old patterns and adjusts to new ones.

Common Temporary Healing Symptoms

Physical Symptoms

Fatigue or Exhaustion: Your body may need extra rest as it releases toxins and recalibrates.
Headaches: These can result from detoxification or emotional tension being released.
Body Aches or Soreness: Energy or emotions stored in the muscles may release, causing temporary discomfort.
Digestive Changes: Detoxification can affect your stomach, causing bloating, nausea, or changes in bowel movements.
Flu-Like Symptoms: Some people experience mild cold or flu-like sensations as toxins are expelled.
Temperature Fluctuations: Feeling unusually warm or cold as your body adjusts.
Rashes and itches: Some may experience release of toxins/chemicals that creates a temporary rash, itch, swelling and psoriasis-like skin on some parts of the body. This is all a part of the healing and will pass
Prior symptoms, pains and problems temporary reoccurring: This could be anything from backpain, sinus-issues or anything from your past that is coming to the surface to be released.

Emotional Symptoms

Mood Swings: Emotional releases may bring up sadness, anger, or joy as you process buried feelings.
Crying or Emotional Outbursts: Tears or sudden emotions may surface as old wounds are released.
Irritability or Sensitivity: You might feel more sensitive to situations or environments.
Reliving Old Memories: Past experiences, particularly painful ones, might resurface for processing and closure.
Anger: If you feel anger needs to be released, go get that primal scream out in the forrest, in your car, in your pillow, under water (just come up before you breathe in again) or wherever you feel safe and don´t scare anyone. Releasing anger is very transformative.

Releasing anger.
But please bear in mind that not all releases of emotions has a story attached to them. They might have occurred before you had cognitive understanding of the trauma, developed language, or it might even be a generational traume releasing.

Mental and Spiritual Symptoms

Mental Fog or Confusion: As old patterns are released, your mind may feel “cloudy” before clarity sets in.
Vivid Dreams or Nightmares: Your subconscious might process stored emotions during sleep.
Heightened Intuition or Awareness: After the release, many people feel a deeper connection to themselves or their surroundings.
Feelings of Loss or Emptiness: Letting go of old trauma or energy can temporarily feel like losing a part of yourself.

How Long Do Healing Symptoms Last?

Healing symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the intensity of the healing modality and how much is being released. They generally subside as your body and mind integrate the healing.

How to Support Yourself Through Healing Symptoms

Hydration: Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and support your body’s natural detox process. Herbal teas can also be calming.
Salt: Replace loss of fluids not only with water but add salt to keep your mineral balance and replace the electrolytes flushing out from the excess water drinking. I often recommend half a teaspoon 3-4 times a day in the beginning. Start your day with salt and water. Use pure natural salt - non refined.
Rest: Your body and mind need extra energy to process healing. Prioritize sleep and downtime.
Gentle Movement: Activities like gentle yoga (hatha yoga), walking in nature or outdoor, or stretching - can help energy flow and reduce stiffness or tension.
Emotional Expression: Allow yourself to feel and express emotions without judgment. Cry if you need to, journal, or talk to a trusted friend or therapist.
Eat Light and Nourishing Foods: Focus on whole, easily digestible meals to support your body's healing process. Less refined and no ultra processed food. Cut back on sugar, coffee, alcohol - and preferably no smoking or substance use.
Self-Care Practices: Take baths, meditate, or engage in grounding activities like spending time in nature. Be alone if you prefer alone-time. Set boundaries.
Patience and Compassion: Remind yourself that these symptoms are temporary and a sign of progress. Remind yourself that you are healing and you deserve it!
Journal: Pay attention to your thoughts, ideas and urges. Do you experience any desires? As mental blocks release you could suddenly experience answers to your questions or your life situasjon. What was hidden can become very clear. This can also come to you in your sleep, so give yourself some time in the morning to reflect on your dreams. Write down and track your journey.

Read more about Aftercare here:

When to Seek Help

While healing symptoms are generally normal, it’s important to trust your intuition. Seek professional guidance if:

Symptoms feel overwhelming or persist longer than expected.
You’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is related to healing.
You have a medical condition and are concerned about any physical reactions.

Affirmations to Support Healing Symptoms

"I trust my body and mind to heal in their own time."
"I release what no longer serves me with love and patience."
"This discomfort is temporary, and I am moving toward wholeness."

Healing symptoms can be challenging, but they are often an important part of the journey to deeper transformation and well-being. By supporting yourself through the process, you create the space for lasting growth and renewal. 🌿✨