Written by: Kathleen Ginn
16th January 2025

A healing crisis, in the context of mind-body-spirit healing, is a temporary period of discomfort or even worsening of symptoms that can occur during a healing journey. It’s often seen as a sign of progress, not a setback. Here’s a breakdown of this concept:

THE UNDERLYING PHILOSOPHY:

• Complementary & Alternative Healing Techniques and Philosophy:   Healing is viewed as a process which encompasses mind, body, and spirit. As you address imbalances and release old patterns, the body can experience temporary disturbances as it readjusts to a healthier state of experience and being.
• Detoxification:  Healing practices often involve detoxification, both physical and emotional. As toxins and negative emotions are released, they can cause temporary discomfort.

WHAT A HEALING CRISIS FEELS LIKE:   The specific symptoms of a healing crisis will vary depending on the individual and the type of healing modality used. Here are some common experiences:

1. Physical Symptoms:   Fatigue, headaches, nausea, aches and pains, changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
2. Emotional Symptoms:   Irritability, anxiety, sadness, anger, emotional outbursts.
3. Mental Symptoms:   Foggy thinking, difficulty concentrating, vivid dreams.

Examples from the Universe which demonstrate your healing journey is working.

• Your career is completely shifting, and you have no idea who you are anymore and what your soul purpose is.
• The hobbies you used to love to do no longer feel aligned or exciting enough. You feel confused and unsure of what brings you joy anymore.
• You are feeling extra sensitive and emotional most of the time. It appears all your wounds and traumas are feeling re-activated, and this is making you feel unsettled and wondering why this is happening … again.
• You are experiencing relationship (family, friend or work) dramas and you are becoming more aware to the toxicity of relationships around you.
• Your relationship with your intimate partner feels appears to be warm and loving one minute and like it is being tested in the most intense way leaving you feeling unsure and unsettled.
• You are feeling judged and misunderstood by the people in your social circle for trying to better yourself.
• Because life is feeling so intense, you have this inner desire to run away from your life and completely isolate yourself.

All the above scenarios are ‘opportunities’ to delve deeper into your story and find the nuggets of wisdom awaiting you.  As you face, embrace and release your fears and feelings of dis-ease, you are able to raise your own consciousness and awareness.  Each scenario is encouraging you to become more aligned in mind, body, spirit and soul.  The Universe is asking you to do what it takes to become grounded, centred and present as a spiritual being learning to navigate life as a human.

UNDERSTANDING THE HEALING CRISIS:

Not a Setback:   A healing crisis is not a sign the healing modality is failing; it is often a sign that it is working.

Shifting Energy:   Think of it as a storm cloud releasing its contents before sunshine breaks through. Discomfort arises as the body releases what no longer serves you.

HOW TO NAVIGATE A HEALING CRISIS:

Self-Compassion:   Be gentle with yourself during this time. Acknowledge the physical discomfort and feelings of dis-ease as part of the healing process.

Rest and Relaxation:   Prioritize rest and self-care practices like meditation, spending time in nature, or activities you find calming.

Hydration:   Drink plenty of water to help your body flush out toxins.

Breathing:   Carry out breathing exercises to reconnect back to your body.  Recommended ones would be Alternate Nostril Breathing; any of the Qi Gong breathing exercises and mindful breathing where you focus on your body being breathed.

Stretching:   Carrying out simple stretches to release body points which may be held tight due to body seeking to protect itself from emotional oversensitivity.  Recommended exercises like synergetics or the yoga exercises like ‘Salute to the Sun or Moon’.

Grounding:   Depending on where you live, ground yourself either using a grounding mat, or visualising roots growing from your feet into Mother Earth or walk in nature and touch the trees and plants.  If you live in a high-rise building invest in an indoor plant and touch this plant daily and ask for its blessings and thank it for grounding you.

Centering:   This is an important exercise to do daily regardless of whether or not you are experiencing a healing crisis.  You can do this by carrying out a squat for 1 minute and/or by doing the yoga tree pose with left and right legs.

Communication:  If you’re working with a healer, communicate your experiences openly. They can help guide you through the crisis.

Remember Your Inner Peace may require Assistance:   A healing crisis is usually temporary, and its dissipation will depend upon your self-care strategies of consulting appropriate health care providers and doing specific exercises and techniques for yourself.  If your symptoms become severe or unbearable, consult an appropriate healthcare professional – integrated, holistic, conventional or alternative.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
A healing crisis, whilst uncomfortable, it can be a powerful indicator your healing journey is on track. By understanding the process and practicing self-care, you can navigate this temporary discomfort and emerge feeling stronger, healthier, and more balanced in mind, body, and spirit.