Acupuncture is a form of the old therapeutic process with its roots in Chinese medicine and healing. The effects of this treatment vary from person to person. Some may feel great immediately after acupuncture, while others may go through a stage known as ‘ a healing crisis’. Go through the blog given below to understand this healing crisis.
What Is the Healing Crisis?
Healing refers to a temporary worsening of symptoms or new discomforts that emerge following an acupuncture treatment; it is also known as the “detox reaction” or Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction.
Mostly, this occurrence is considered good because it shows that the body has reacted well to the treatment.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a healing crisis occurs when the body strives to recover equilibrium by removing toxins. It is believed by TCM practitioners that acupuncture enhances energy flow (Qi) and blood circulation within the entire body, which sometimes leads to an acute intensification of symptoms while the stagnation is eliminated.
What Are the Common Symptoms of a Healing Crisis?
Common symptoms of a healing crisis include fatigue, headaches, mild fever, flu-like symptoms, or temporary worsening of existing symptoms. These reactions typically occur as the body detoxifies and adjusts, signaling that the healing process is underway.
Physical Symptoms of healing crises include fatigue or increased tiredness, muscle soreness or joint pain, headaches or migraines, digestive disturbances (nausea, bloating, diarrhea), skin reactions like rashes, breakouts, or more sweating than usual.
Some may also experience signs resembling the flu accompanied by shivering and body aches.
Emotional and Mental Symptoms include mood swings/irritability. Some people experience increased emotional sensitivity.
Some experience more vivid dreaming. The healing crisis can also involve changes in sleep patterns.A healing crisis can result in temporary brain fog and cause difficulty in focusing.
What Are The Causes of a Healing Crisis After Acupuncture?
A healing crisis after acupuncture can be caused by the body’s response to increased energy flow, detoxification, or emotional release. It may also occur as the body adjusts to changes in balance and healing initiated by the treatment.
Acupuncture employs the reestablishment of Qi’s balance in the body. While energy channels (meridians) are activated and obstructions removed, a few individuals may feel temporary distress when their body realigns with such energetic changes.
The stimulation of specific acupuncture points can improve the body’s detoxification mechanisms. Some people experience symptoms that accompany this detoxification process as toxins are mobilized and expelled.
This procedure can make the immune system stronger so that it responds more actively to pathogenic organisms or any other diseases inside the body. This is why it sometimes results in short-term flu-like symptoms or inflammatory reactions.
Needles inserted into acupuncture spots can trigger various responses in the brain and hormonal glands, which might induce sudden mood swings, variations in energy levels, or even unusual physical sensations as the body recoils from neural and hormonal disbalances.
What Is The Duration & Intensity of a Healing Crisis?
The duration and intensity of a healing crisis vary by individual but typically last from a few hours to a few days. Symptoms can range from mild to moderate discomfort as the body adjusts and processes the effects of acupuncture.
After an acupuncture session, there is usually a healing crisis that may take between some hours to several days. In rare cases it could continue for up to one week. Duration depends on general well-being, specific health problems being managed, and treatment intensity.
A General state of health and level of vitality can affect the longevity of the healing crisis. The severity of your condition and how long it has been persisting can make your healing crisis last longer.
The number of acupuncture sessions undergone by a client also decides the duration and intensity of the healing crisis. Lifestyle issues, including the dieting regime, stress factors, and sleep, play a role in healing crises.
Individual sensitivity to acupuncture can also regulate the intensity and durability of a healing crisis.
How To Perform Crisis Management During Healing Crisis?
During a healing crisis, manage symptoms by staying hydrated, resting, and maintaining a balanced diet. Light activities, relaxation techniques, and consulting with your practitioner can also help alleviate discomfort and ensure a smoother healing process.
Give your body proper time to recover and integrate the effects of Acupuncture. Drink sufficient amounts of water to support the detoxification mechanisms.
Perform delicate actions like walking or stretching to boost circulation.Epsom Salt Baths can be soothing for muscle pains. It can help the detoxification processes as well. Consume food items that are filled with nutrients and easy to digest.
Following these steps will certainly make a difference if somebody is going through a healing crisis after getting acupuncture.
How long does it take for acupuncture to heal?
The healing time from acupuncture varies depending on the condition being treated and individual response. Some may experience relief after a single session, while others might require several weeks of regular treatments to achieve significant improvement and lasting results.
The time taken to heal after acupuncture varies depending on the ailment being treated, the overall health of a person, and how often they do it. Acute conditions may see improvement only after one or two sessions.
Chronic conditions may take several weeks or even months to heal with acupuncture. For chronic diseases, doctors often suggest that patients go through 6-12 courses. Some improvements will be noticeable after the first few sessions.
The impact of acupuncture is gradual. Always go for a licensed acupuncturist who can tailor the treatment plans according to your bodily necessities.
Why am I so angry after acupuncture?
Feeling angry after acupuncture may be due to emotional release or the body’s adjustment to increased energy flow. This reaction can occur as stored emotions or stress are processed. If persistent, discuss it with your acupuncturist to address underlying issues.
There are various reasons why you might experience anger following an acupuncture session. First off, Acupuncture works by stimulating the flow of energy (Qi), leading to the release of blocked emotions or energies. This emotional release can sometimes manifest as anger, especially if stress or unresolved issues are being addressed.
Apart from that it can also result in physiological changes like hormonal fluctuations which may influence mood status during that period. It’s also possible that bringing energy back to balance and harmonizing spiritual awakening may bring underlying emotions to the surface.
Sharing such experiences with your acupuncturist will enable them to modify treatment according to your emotional and physical state.
What Are The Benefits of a Healing Crisis?
A healing crisis can indicate that the body is detoxifying and adjusting, leading to long-term health benefits. It may signal effective treatment and improved energy flow, ultimately resulting in enhanced overall well-being and resolution of underlying health issues.
In fact, a healing crisis is seen by many medical practitioners as a good indicator that the Acupuncture treatment is proving to be effective. Here are the benefits of healing crisis-
During a healing crisis, the body speeds up the natural healing process. This accelerates the recovery time and eliminates harmful substances to restore balance in the body.
Going through a healing crisis raises one’s awareness about one’s body and its needs. With this heightened sensitivity, it thus becomes easier to take better care of oneself and understand what contributes to good overall health.
A healing crisis provides an opportunity for profound personal transformation in one’s life. In many cases, it opens up underlying problems, allowing for a more holistic method of healing and long-term well-being.
Conclusion
A healing crisis after acupuncture may be uncomfortable but it also signifies that the treatment is having a positive effect on the body. By recognizing this concept, individuals will have enlightening experience with acupuncture. They will approach the treatment with greater awareness and confidence. Have regular open discussion with acupuncturists about your experiences to achieve the best outcome from the treatment.
