As powerful as they are, reiki and other types of energy healing do not produce instantaneous results. Healing is a process that is comprised of all the changes taking place in your body as it works to reach a state of wellness. These changes, despite their progression toward healing, can often surface as symptoms that indicate the changes are counterproductive. In other words, it may appear that you are getting sicker or that your condition is worsening, when in fact your body is working through all the energetic disruptions in order to heal. 

As soon as the healing process begins to take effect, your body will start working at a higher level of efficiency. This essentially means that the body is removing the bad to make room for the good. The liver, kidneys, bowels, and even your muscles and skin are working to eliminate toxins that have been stored in your bloodstream. As your body detoxifies, symptoms often emerge in the form of a runny nose, upset stomach, headache, fatigue, and other manifestations of what seems like illness on the surface. But look at it like this: when you haven't used certain muscles for a while they will ache after exercise. This rule applies to other body parts and organs as well. As they adjust to a healthier mode of operation, they experience what energy healers refer to as the "healing crisis" - a crucial part of recovery that indicates that you are in fact healing.

Here are some words to live by: Be patient and don't panic. Even though certain aspects of your physical or mental state may seem to be in crisis, you must know that once the toxins, blockages, and harmful energies have been released, you will feel better. Energy healing prompts the body to follow its natural course of healing, and any discomforts that may emerge in the process are simply part of that course. After a reiki session, or during the course of several sessions, you may feel that your condition has deteriorated rather than improved. Take solace in the notion that "this too shall pass" and remember that while your body is releasing toxins, it's important to drink plenty of water, replenish lost nutrients, get lots of rest, and be patient.