Healing Reactions and Reiki

What are they: A healing reaction occurs after a Reiki Session when the body begins to detox and get rid of toxins that have been held in the body. This is a really wonderful thing as it is a good sign that Reiki was exactly what your body needed to jump start the healing process. Common healing reaction symptoms are: mild headache, upset stomach, diarrhea, or fatigue. Typically healing reactions occur when there has been a long term chronic illness; however we are finding in our own practice that they are occurring more frequently than before and believe this is related to the chronic stress and anxiety we have all been under. 

Why do I feel like shit and when will it end: Detoxing can be uncomfortable but at least you didn't have to do a week long juice cleanse to get there. A healing reaction typically resolves within a day or so and it is unlikely that you will experience a healing reaction as strong as the first again, if ever. It is helpful to drink plenty of water, eat well, and rest as needed in order to help support the body as it releases and flushes out toxins. At this point in time it is important to trust that your body knows what it needs to do in order to heal. 

It can be helpful to think of a healing reaction as the day after "leg day" at the gym, you know you've done a good work out because you can FEEL IT and in a day or so your going to feel better than before.  

Now what: So you've made it through your healing reaction and you may or may not be feeling ready to get back on the table for some more Reiki. That is ok and we're here whenever you're ready. If you do experience a healing reaction it is strongly suggested that you receive 2-3 additional Reiki Sessions in order to best support your body energetically so it can continue to do the healing needed. Remember the healing reaction usually only occurs after that first session and your body will only do exactly what it needs to do feel better long term. As always we are here to answer any questions you may have about Reiki and Healing Reactions.