Why do detox symptoms happen? Understanding the Healing Crisis (or Retracing) during natural healing.

When people begin natural therapies, whether it’s the EESystem, Ionic Footbaths, Browns Gas, or nutritional changes, one of the most common experiences is a temporary increase in negative symptoms. This can feel confusing or even concerning at first - especially when your intention is to feel better, not worse.

And fair enough, right? In the mainstream medical model, any sort of treatment or medicine aims to decrease or stop symptoms altogether. Often, this gives the illusion of healing - what is actually happening is a symptom suppression rather than healing at the root cause of the issue. This isn't always true, but you get the idea.

What we see is often the opposite. We can see symptoms get worse in the short term, before there is long term change! These detox symptoms aren’t a sign that something is going wrong. In fact, for many people, they are evidence that the body is finally moving stored toxins, shifting stagnation, releasing inflammation, and rebalancing systems that may have been overwhelmed for years. This temporary discomfort is often referred to as a healing crisis or retracing, and it has been recognised for centuries across many forms of natural medicine.

Understanding why this happens can help you move through the process with confidence, self-compassion, and a deeper appreciation for your body’s capacity to heal.

This is actually crucial. Without proper understanding, it is much harder to 'trust the process' and allow your body to stay the course and achieve deep healing. It is for this reason, I've put this blog post together.

By the end of it, I hope you feel encouraged at the amazing healing potential of the human body, and work to strengthen and support its function, rather than just suppress the uncomfortable symptoms that arise.

What Exactly Is a Healing Crisis?

A healing crisis occurs when the body begins to release toxins, pathogens, or inflammatory compounds faster than it can eliminate them. As these substances move through the bloodstream or lymphatic system on their way out, you may temporarily feel worse before you feel better. This is essentially the body “cleaning house.”

For most people, these symptoms come as the body transitions from survival mode into repair mode. When your body finally receives the support it needs - more energy, better circulation, improved cellular communication, or nervous system regulation - it begins addressing stored imbalances that may have been accumulating quietly in the background.

The symptoms aren’t new problems; they are old issues moving out.

Trusting this is easier said than done sometimes... For example, I actually had some serious gut issues when I first started my natural healing journey. I would have bouts of IBS, cramping and pain sometimes so bad, I'd be bed ridden for days.

As I started with the EESystem, changing my diet, and supporting my body to heal - these symptoms got much worse... for about 3 weeks. Since then though, non-existent!

Why Detox Symptoms Occur During Natural Therapies

Natural therapies support the body rather than override it. Instead of suppressing symptoms like some medications do, holistic therapies enhance your body’s own ability to repair, regenerate, and rebalance. As the body regains strength, it begins to process what it has been holding onto.

During this transition, the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, skin, and colon often become more active. These detox pathways begin releasing chemicals, environmental toxins, heavy metals, old emotions, and inflammatory waste that may have been stored in tissues.

As these substances mobilise, you may feel temporarily out of balance. This is not a regression - it is your body finally doing the work it hasn’t had the energy to do.

Common Detox Reactions You May Experience

Although every individual is unique, many people experience similar sensations when their body begins detoxifying. Some notice physical effects such as fatigue, mild headaches, bloating, changes in bowel habits, or skin breakouts as the body pushes waste out through various pathways. Others may feel emotional shifts such as irritability, sadness, or unexpected waves of emotion as the nervous system recalibrates.

Some clients describe temporary flu-like sensations, a feeling of heaviness, or disrupted sleep as the body works through internal adjustments. For others, detox appears as increased thirst, brain fog, or a sense of needing more rest. These symptoms typically pass within a short period - often 24 to 72 hours - and many people report feeling lighter, clearer, and calmer once the body completes the process.

Why Feeling Worse Can Mean You’re Getting Better

Although it may seem counterintuitive, detox symptoms often appear at the exact moment the body is beginning to heal. When your system has been overwhelmed for a long time, it can become stuck or unable to process toxins efficiently. The EESystem, along with other natural therapies like ionic footbaths, mineral replenishment, and energy-based modalities, helps restore energy and circulation to your cells.

Once your cells receive enough energy, they begin releasing what no longer serves them.

This release doesn’t always feel pleasant, but it is a sign that the body is actively shifting toward a healthier state.

You haven’t gotten sicker - your body has finally found the strength to deal with what it has been storing.

Many clients notice that after their detox symptoms settle, they experience improved sleep, better mood, more clarity, reduced pain, or a deeper sense of calm. The temporary discomfort gives way to long-term improvement.

How Long Do Detox Symptoms Last?

Detox reactions vary depending on your health history, hydration levels, stress state, and how long toxins have been accumulating. For most people, detox symptoms are brief and mild.

Some may feel a little off for a few hours, while others may experience a day or two of increased symptoms. It is rare for detox symptoms to last longer than a few days when the body is supported properly.

As you continue natural therapies, detox reactions generally become milder and less frequent. This is because the body becomes more efficient at processing waste and maintaining balance.

The Importance of Supporting Your Body Through the Process

Although detox symptoms are normal, the goal is always to help the body move through them smoothly and comfortably. Hydration plays a major role, as water helps flush out waste through the kidneys and lymphatic system.

Mineral-rich baths, gentle movement like walking, and deep rest all support the detox pathways. Many people also find that nourishing foods, grounding, and reducing screen time help ease the process.

Listening to your body is key. If you feel tired, rest. If you feel thirsty, hydrate. If you feel emotional, allow space for it. Your body is communicating with you, and your job is simply to support the process rather than fight against it.

Regular EESystem sessions and other forms of supporting your body at Vital Body Wellness Centre are a great idea as well as you navigate these detox symptoms.

Why Detox Is a Sign of Real, Deep Healing

Modern life exposes us to more toxins, stress, chemicals, and inflammatory triggers than ever before.

Most people do not detox daily - they accumulate.

Natural therapies finally give the body the energy, safety, and environment it needs to begin releasing these burdens. The healing crisis is not an obstacle; it is part of the journey.

Once the body clears what has been building up, it can begin repairing tissues, balancing hormones, strengthening immunity, restoring mental clarity, and improving vitality. The lightness that follows a detox period is often one of the first signs that the body is moving into a better state of health.

Moving Forward With Confidence in Your Healing Journey

If you experience detox symptoms during your healing journey at Vital Body Wellness Centre, know that you are not alone - and nothing is going wrong.

Your body is doing exactly what it is designed to do. With the right support, hydration, rest, and mineral replenishment, these symptoms tend to pass quickly and are often followed by noticeable improvements in well-being.

Healing is not always linear. Sometimes the toughest days are the ones that lead to the biggest breakthroughs. Trust your body, give it what it needs, and let the process unfold.

More on this in the video below:

Detoxing well - Vital Body Wellness Centre

~ Written by Zack