In an attempt to maintain integrity, the body organizes a cleansing response, forcing toxins out in some form such as fever, cold, flu, rash, acne or other “illness.” If this attempt is stopped by a drug (antibiotics, cold medicines) the toxins are driven deeper into the body. With each attempt at cleansing by the body that a drug suppresses, the major organs slowly give up the fight, resulting in eventual disease. This is very apparent with victims of cancer, chronic fatigue, candidiasis, most auto-immune conditions and fibromyalgia.
During the first few days, or even weeks, there is a period of great healing. By offering the body high quality, well combined healthy food that is easy to digest, it will respond by showing signs of healing – only to the patient it might appear as if they are becoming more ill. This is evidence that the body is throwing off accumulated waste and toxins. They may feel very tired as they reach this stage in the program but encourage them to on the program at this time, allowing the body the maximum opportunity to heal. It’s easy to get discouraged, but once this phase has passed, the result is a stronger, better and more energetic body.
Some people may present with sore throats, headaches, flu symptoms, aches, pains, depression, lethargy, fatigue, skin rashes, acne, vaginal or rectal itching, discharge, etc. This is known as the Herxheimer reaction. You are encouraged to continue with the cleansing program and to keep well hydrated, the symptoms will clear.
When the cleansing ends, the body is free and stronger than it has been in years.
How long?
It is different for every person. Each person has a different accumulation of toxins either creating the symptoms of disease or as a result of the disease process being cleared.
Emotional cleansing is also normal, and expected. Patients might feel weepy, edgy, frustrated or angry. They may lash out against someone they normally would not. This is part of the elimination of stored up emotional poisons in the body. It is beneficial to release them.
What to Do?
Ensure that you drink plenty of fresh water (especially water), juices, and herbal teas to flush the body of toxins. Drink from 2 to 4 quarts (litres) per day. This will help flush the toxins out of your system and speed along the detoxification.
- If you are feeling fatigued, or sleepy, the body is talking to you and telling you to rest. You should be kind to yourself and get the rest that you need.
- Symptoms frequently disappear immediately after a good bowel movement; use a coffee enema for relief.
For other symptoms, meditation, EFT/MTT, acupuncture or a good massage might be helpful to speed up the healing process, and reduce the discomfort.
Take a look at the Symptoms of a Healing Crisis to see what the body could possibly go through when undergoing a cleanse and experiencing a Herxheimer Reaction on the next page.
Hering’s Law of Cure
When you’re experiencing a healing crisis, remember the homeopathic law of cure, also known as Hering’s Law of Cure:
Healing occurs from:
- The inside – out (meaning from the internal organs first, then to the joints and skin)
- From the head down (the body clears symptoms in the head first, then to the trunk, hips and toes), and then
- In the reverse order as the symptoms have appeared (your most recent ailments are cleared first).
- This is the process the body goes through when returning to a healthy state, naturally of course.
