The Healing Crisis, otherwise known as the Herxheimer Reaction, is the body’s natural cleansing reaction following massage.

After a massage, toxins and waste products are produced at a faster rate, and will be circulating around the body in greater volume. Not all dogs appear to go through a healing crisis, but if they do their symptoms may briefly worsen before beginning to improve. Symptoms usually start soon after the treatment and continue for up to 72 hours. Symptoms may be mild or severe, and include:

• Lethargy or increase in sleeping

• Very quiet

• Increased thirst

• Frequent urination

• Vomiting

• Loose faeces or diarrhoea

• An increase in joint or muscular pain (you may see lameness for 48 hours)

• Increase of original symptoms.

Please rest assured that although the symptoms can be alarming, it is a very good sign that your dog’s body is restoring its natural balance and is going through the process of cleansing itself of impurities, toxins, and muscular imbalances.