everyone talks about what happens while cleansing: A wave of flu-like symptoms flatten us, we wonder what we got ourselves into, and then the aha moment— “This must mean I really needed this.” When we shift into cleanse mode, along with detoxing on a physical level, there’s a simultaneous energetic detox, some refer to it as a “healing crisis.” Our systems are so disrupted on the healing journey that we can feel, quite literally, sick to our stomach. Chef, nutritionist and reiki master Serena Poon shares tools to get through this very real type of healing crisis…

As a Reiki master and practitioner, I am mindful that both my students and my clients have a clear and comfortable understanding of what it means to have a “healing crisis” or “energy flu” experience. Whenever any type of healing work is done, whether it’s an acupuncture session, a healing massage, reiki, pranic/quantum/theta healing or any other type of energy modality, there is a potential for the recipient to experience uncomfortable reactions known as a “healing crisis”.

Here’s How Our Energy System Becomes Overwhelmed

Reiki and other energy healing modalities work to positively affect and gently support our energy systems by harmonizing our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. This is done by channeling source energy, clearing, balancing and grounding life force energy into our energy systems.

Essentially, the flow of energy through the physical and non-physical bodies activates our innate healing resources and encourages the gradual release of emotional, physical, mental and spiritual “toxins” that have built up over time in our systems from our cellular memory. The buildup comes from layers of past traumas, stress, anxiety, depression, fears and experiences that have resulted in imbalanced, painful emotions and chronic or acute health issues. When we work to release and heal these conditions, we allow our bodies to open up and expand, so that we can carry more love and light.

What Does The Energy Release Process Feel Like?

Much of the time, the release experience is quite gentle, and the cleansing process happens without much notice. Sometimes, the release of these toxins can be in the form of a “healing crisis” and be accompanied by physical discomfort in the form of flu-like symptoms, fever, dizziness, headache, disrupted sleep, sore throat, coughing, aching joints and muscles, stiffness, muscles tensions and contractions, pain, tingling sensations, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea.

The release process can also stimulate the nervous system and temporarily bring deeply held, repressed emotions, old patterns and painful memories back to the surface in an acute way, while our bodies work towards true healing. One can experience a roller coaster of feelings of grief, fear, anxiety, panic, despair, depression, sadness, anger, loneliness and frustration, as well as judgmental, blaming, victimizing, and abusive thoughts. These feelings of discomfort, of a “healing crisis” and “energy flu” are all part of the detoxification and healing process, and not usually a cause for concern.

However, if there are any severe or time extensive emotional or physical reactions or complications, it is always recommended to see your regular physician or seek other holistic, naturopathic and traditional healthcare, which works complementary with energy healing. For the most part, an energy practitioner can navigate someone through the discomforts of a healing crisis using infusing protocols that help ease the flow of energy as a person integrates and balances.

How To Guide Myself Through A Healing Crisis
To Elevate My Energy

Even without the additional help of an energy practitioner, you can guide yourself through the process by remembering a few key tips:

+ surrender to the process and allow your emotions to flow without judgement of them
+ allow yourself extra compassion, self-care and self-love
+ be gentle with yourself
+ soothe your body with nourishing food, baths, yoga and sleep
+ give yourself space, take some time off work, and off the electronic devices
+ journal and meditate with your healing crystals

A healing crisis can be a beautiful and powerful purification, and reset of the mind, body, emotional body and spirit. Our bodies are constantly changing, both energetically and on a cellular level, so the goal to release that which no longer serves us, to allow in more dynamic, cleansed energy, love, light and clarity. It’s a beautiful journey to embrace, to release, to trust and to grow.