The official name or the detoxification reaction is the Herxheimer Reaction and is "based on the work of Dr. Karl Herxheimer in the late 1800's, that theorized that a temporary feeling of illness" after treatment to eliminate toxins, waste, and illness from the body "is actually an intense sign of healing and that such reactions can indicate that your body has started to cleanse itself as it quickly tries to catch up on the overload of toxins being released." This theory also states that "a cleansing reaction occurs any time your body is releasing toxins faster than it can eliminate them."
The detoxification reaction is the temporary response to the sudden elimination of too many toxins and waste in the human body.This reaction is not unusual to the effects many patients can, and often do, experience either during or shortly after an acupuncture and/or herbal treatment (this can include cupping and scraping as well). It is important to note that we at Life Essentials do not want anyone to be in pain or suffer through very intense reactions. It is expected that you may experience some level of discomfort if you experience the detoxification reaction; however, if you are experiencing anything that you believe is too intense, we urge you to contact us immediately so we can help ease the elimination process.
The detoxification reaction is the temporary response to the sudden elimination of too many toxins and waste in the human body.This reaction is not unusual to the effects many patients can, and often do, experience either during or shortly after an acupuncture and/or herbal treatment (this can include cupping and scraping as well). It is important to note that we at Life Essentials do not want anyone to be in pain or suffer through very intense reactions. It is expected that you may experience some level of discomfort if you experience the detoxification reaction; however, if you are experiencing anything that you believe is too intense, we urge you to contact us immediately so we can help ease the elimination process.
Why This Occurs and What to Expect
"Acupuncture provides the resources for your body to heal faster, and as a result, it can intensify what you are currently experiencing.These responses usually occur in a 48 hour window after an acupuncture session.That’s about the time it takes for the body to readjust from the shifts the treatment has caused. It’s not always easy to predict which treatments will stir things up, but when increased symptoms do happen, remember it’s a good thing! Your body is always working for you in the best possible way it knows how! There are uncomfortable moments of discharge on the path to healing, but these moments always lead to better and more lasting health. These effects are not only beneficial, but a necessary part of the medicine, as they indicate that the treatments are helping not only the present symptoms, but your entire being from over a lifetime."
Symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the patient.
For more information, please click here.
Symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the patient.
For more information, please click here.
Please note that if these symptoms do occur, that it is simply the body's way of eliminating toxins
and illness from the body so the body can begin to heal itself.
and illness from the body so the body can begin to heal itself.
Some Common Symptoms
Fatigue
Sleep is the fastest way your body heals, and your body is giving you an unequivocal sign that you need to slow down and rest for it to do its work.More than likely, the acupuncture treatment has caused a major shift, and your body needs more downtime in order to process the change and reorganize. |
Emotional Discharge
An increased expression of emotion. Sometimes this occurs during the treatment itself. It is common for me to place a particular acupuncture needle and have a patient begin to cry or react emotionally.Emotional trauma and stress get stored in our bodies if it is not actively expressed, and acupuncture helps to unlock these stored emotions. The acupuncture points work on a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level to harmonize the body. |
Intensified symptoms
Can happen in chronic conditions when the body is ready to make a big shift towards health. Again, this is not a bad thing! The body needs to work through its symptoms in order to recover. |
Other Symptoms Include
Dizziness
Diarrhea
Nausea
Tingling sensation(s)
Sore/aching muscles
Headaches
Chills
Sweating
Increased mucous production
Diarrhea
Nausea
Tingling sensation(s)
Sore/aching muscles
Headaches
Chills
Sweating
Increased mucous production
It is important to understand that these symptoms are based off of many common experiences, however, each individual is unique and may experience different symptoms. Please notify our office if you experience anything seemingly out of the ordinary that is not listed above, or if the symptom(s) experienced are very intense in nature.