An interesting article we came across while reading up on
the benefits and effects of colloidal silver, had us nodding our heads in
agreement at the reactions some of our patients have after their first and
sometimes second, ozone hyperthermia therapy session at The Ozone Pod.
While we refer to some of the short-lived side effects as a
healing crisis, what many of our patients are actually experiencing is a
Herxheimer Reaction.
The Herxheimer Reaction - Feeling worse before feeling
better
The Herxheimer Reaction is a short-term (from days to a few
weeks) detoxification reaction in the body.
As the body detoxifies, it is not
uncommon to experience flu-like symptoms including headache, joint and muscle
pain, body aches, sore throat, general malaise, sweating, chills, nausea or
other symptoms. Occassionally patients will experience rashes or pimples across parts of their body.
This is a normal — and even healthy — reaction that
indicates that parasites, fungus, viruses, bacteria or other pathogens are
being effectively killed off. The biggest problem with the Herxheimer reaction
is that people stop taking the therapy that is causing the reaction, and thus
discontinue the very treatment that is helping to make them better. Although
the experience may not make you feel particularly good, the
Herxheimer Reaction is actually a sign that healing is taking place.
What Is The Herxheimer Reaction?
The Herxheimer Reaction is an immune system reaction to the
toxins (endotoxins) that are released when large amounts of pathogens are being
killed off, and the body does not eliminate the toxins quickly enough. Simply
stated, it is a reaction that occurs when the body is detoxifying and the
released toxins either exacerbate the symptoms being treated or create their
own symptoms. The important thing to note is that worsening symptoms do not
indicate failure of the treatment in question; in fact, usually just the
opposite.
A Rose By Any Other Name
Technically known as the Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction,
this syndrome goes by many names, including JHR, the Herxheimer Effect,
the Herxheimer Response, a Herx Reaction, Herx or Herks.
The most common terminology used is the Herxheimer Reaction. It is
also often referred to as a healing crisis, a detox reaction, or die-off
syndrome.
Ozone Therapy & The Herxheimer Reaction
Herxheimer reactions in response to Ozone Therapy can occur
as the body adjusts to the die-off process and responds to the increased load
on the lymphatic system – particularly in cases of systemic and chronic
conditions and/or severe infections.
The most common Herxheimer reactions are:
- Headache
- Flu-like symptoms
- Itch and rashes
- Flushes
Usually, the reaction lasts a few hours. In more severe
cases, reactions can last a week or more.
In most cases, the reaction tends to be mild and barely
noticeable, but there are exceptions, particularly in cases of severe
infection.
Herx reactions vary widely, depending on many factors,
including the general health of the individual, the condition being treated,
the degree of toxicity that exists in the body, and the support the body is
provided in eliminating the toxins as rapidly as possible.
Although this article focuses on the Herxheimer reaction,
please keep in mind that not all users of Ozone Therapy will experience a Herx
reaction. However, it is important to be aware of the possibility and to understand
that it is a symptom of healing, We encourage patients who do experience
it not to become discouraged if symptoms temporarily worsen and/or discontinue Ozone
Therapy Treatment.
We would also like to clarify that Ozone Therapy itself does
not cause a Herxheimer reaction. A
healthy individual using this therapy for purely detoxification and general
well-being uses will not react. However,
if there is an infection in the body, a Herxheimer reaction may result as the
infection is killed off through the oxidization process of the ozone therapy.
What To Do In The Event of a Herxheimer Reaction
If the reaction is mild enough that it can be borne without
grave discomfort, the best approach is to continue treatment and assist the
body in eliminating the toxins as quickly and as thoroughly as possible by the
methods below.
If the reaction is too severe, cutting back on the dosage or
frequency of use can be very helpful in lessening symptoms but allowing the
healing process to continue. Your Ozone Practitioner will advise you on the
best course of treatment to see you through the Herxheimer Reaction.
We also suggest :
- drinking plenty of purified water (8 to 12 glasses per day)
- minimising exercise while going through the detoxification process
- cutting out sugar, alcohol, gluten and dairy products during this time
- limiting intake of vitamins and supplements whilst detoxing.
- drinking plenty of purified water (8 to 12 glasses per day)
- minimising exercise while going through the detoxification process
- cutting out sugar, alcohol, gluten and dairy products during this time
- limiting intake of vitamins and supplements whilst detoxing.
Conclusion
The most important advice if you experience the Herxheimer
reaction is to “bear with the process”. The reaction is usually over within a
few days and is well worth the cleansing and healing results. Plus, it is a
sure sign that the Ozone Therapy is doing its job and working to help restore
your body to natural health!
Warning: Any serious symptoms such as cardiac
irregularity; breathing difficulties; chest, lung or throat constriction;
significant swelling; or other severe symptoms should be given immediate
medical attention.
Reference : With
thanks to www.silver-colloids.com,
we have used the basis of their article which relates to Ozone Therapy as well
as colloidal silver treatment.
