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Understanding Retracing and Healing Reactions
By Dr. Paul C. Eck
and
Dr. Larry Wilson

Introduction
   During the course of a nutritional balancing program, at times a person may feel worse or
experience an aggravation of symptoms. Such experiences can cause fear or panic. One may
even abandon the health program if one doesn't understand what is occurring. This is unfortunate,
because such reactions are often prime indicators of improvement.
   These reactions are called, retracing, healing crises, flare ups and healing reactions. The terms
are used interchangeably in this article. Such reactions occur during the course of many types of
natural therapies. We will confine our discussion to reactions that occur due to a mineral
balancing program. However, the principles can be applied to many other therapies.

Understanding Healing Reactions is Important for Several Reasons:

Why Healing Reactions Occur
   Reactions occur due to a series of events. We can describe this sequence in three steps. The
first step is supplying a missing ingredient or removing a blockage. The second step is the
activation of the body's own healing and balancing mechanisms. The third step is the production
of symptoms or the manifestation of the reaction.

Step 1. Supplying a Missing Factor or Removing a Blockage
   Supplying a Missing Factor. An individualized, scientific nutrition program provides vitamins,
minerals, herbs, amino acids, or other substances  that are of value in balancing body chemistry
and improving body function.
   A nutrition counselor or practitioner can offer explanations and counseling that provides other
factors that assist healing. Taking time with people and offering hope and understanding of a
problem are also valuable healing factors.
   Removing Blockages. Nutritional balancing may be expressed negatively as the removal of
factors that impair health. Various factors can block natural physiological functioning. Toxic
metals may replace vital metals in enzymes binding sites. Nutritional deficiencies block normal
enzymatic reactions in the body's energy cycles. Chemicals in our food and our drinking water,
such as fluoride, chlorine and other elements, also block normal biochemical reactions.
   Depending on one's particular body chemistry and metabolic rate, certain foods may act as
blockers. For example, phytates commonly found in food grains reduce the absorption of
calcium, magnesium and zinc. The elimination of a food or foods may be more important than
recommending a specific food.
   Vitamins may even act as blockers by imbalancing body chemistry. In a slow oxidizer, for
example, excessive choline and inositol may be detrimental because they further slow the
oxidation rate and reduce the body's energy efficiency. Bacteria or yeast organisms may have to
be eliminated to allow healing. Emotional blockages, such as fear, may have to be reduced
through counseling before a person will achieve optimal results. The removal of blockages and
the supplying of missing nutrient factors is the first step towards producing a healing crisis or a
retracing.

Step 2. Activation of the Body's Own Healing Energy
   The second step is a direct result of removing blockages or supplying a missing factor. In the
natural healing arts, we presume that the body possesses a natural regenerative power.
Removing blockages frees some of that regenerative power. Energy levels consequently
increase. This is step two.

Step 3. Production of Symptoms of Healing
   Step three is the result of step two. As a result of enhancing or activating the body's energy
production, changes in body chemistry begin to occur. These changes take many forms that will
be detailed in the next section. Very briefly, they include:

   The changes above may result in certain symptoms. Various symptoms result from the
mobilization of toxic substances from storage and consequent adjustments in body chemistry. In
effect, a house cleaning effort is in progress. Like lifting up a rug, the exposed dirt must be swept
out. Structure and functioning have to be restored along new healthier lines. Toxic substances are
cast out and brick by brick a new structure or new chemical body is built.
   On an emotional level, the same phenomena occur. Unwholesome attitudes and emotions
which are not compatible with a healthy body have to be cast out and replaced with more
appropriate attitudes. This too represents a major adjustment. Again a housecleaning process
occurs on a mental and emotional level. Thoughts and memories are often brought into
consciousness to be evaluated and released.

Symptoms And Signs Of Retracing And Healing Reactions
   The signs and symptoms of retracing and healing reactions are extremely variable. Almost any
symptom imaginable can arise. Let us classify the symptoms of retracing in three categories:

Reactions Due To The Elimination Of Toxic Substances.
   Over the years, the body becomes nutritionally depleted and often accumulates toxic
substances due to nutritional deficiencies, inadequate elimination, exposure to environmental
toxins, or a sluggish rate of metabolism. When the body's energy output is diminished, the
elimination of waste products, metabolic end-products and/or environmental toxins are retained.
Ordinarily, one does not realize this is occurring because it happens so slowly. One notices an
acute poisoning, but not the slow daily accumulation of toxic substances.
   A health-building program can cause a sharp rise in energy levels. This in turn results in a rapid
elimination of stored toxins. The process can cause both physiological and psychological
symptoms including, rashes, headaches, upset stomach, a metallic taste and nausea. The
following are some of the symptoms one may experience from the elimination of toxic metals.

Symptoms of Copper Detoxification
   Many symptoms can occur when excess copper is eliminated from the tissues. One may
experience headaches, usually of the migraine type. Extreme fatigue, acne, skin eruptions on the
head, chest and thighs, free floating anxiety feelings, spaciness, fears and disorientation may
occur.
   Changes in the menstrual period are common, including irregular periods, cramps and
symptoms of premenstrual tension. Men may experience testicular pain. The elimination of
copper can also cause joint pains. Nausea, digestive disturbances, anorexia and discomfort in the
area of the liver may also occur during copper elimination.

Symptoms of Cadmium Detoxification
   The elimination of cadmium may give rise to pain in the kidney area, joint pain, extreme fatigue,
a metallic taste in the mouth, temporary changes in blood pressure, digestive disturbances and
anxiety.

Symptoms of Nickel Detoxification
   The elimination of nickel from tissue storage can lead to pain in the kidney area, fatigue and
symptoms related to the lungs, where nickel is commonly stored.

Symptoms of Mercury Detoxification
   Mercury elimination may result in emotional changes, a metallic taste in the mouth, pain in the
kidney area, fatigue and occasionally skin eruptions. Mercury toxicity is associated with copper
toxicity, as mercury is eliminated, copper elimination symptoms commonly occur.
   A hair mineral analysis can help detect which toxic metals are being eliminated or will be
eliminated during a healing reaction. This helps predict some of the symptoms that will occur. It is
helpful to advise individuals that they may experience certain symptoms when they begin a
nutrition program.

Indirect Effects of Toxic Metal Elimination
   In addition to specific symptoms due to each toxic metal, indirect effects of the elimination of
toxic metals occur. Some of the common ones are: intensification of fears, hot flashes, shortness
of breath, numbness, diminished body temperature, dizziness, flu, colds, sore throat, sinus
drainage and muscular aches and pains. It is virtually impossible to predict all the possible
symptoms.
   In addition to toxic metals, other toxic during healing reactions. Medications used in the past
are a common example. To understand this phenomenon, it is necessary to understand that when
a drug medication is administered, not all the medication is eliminated from the body. Although
the therapeutic effect wears off after several hours, this only indicates that the blood level
required for a therapeutic response is no longer present.
   A residue of past medications is often released quickly while on a nutritional balancing
program. The medications may have been taken at any time, even years before. Medications
may have even been acquired in utero from a parent. As one's energy level and adrenal gland
activity improve, stored medications are released. In fact, any factor or stressor that increases the
metabolic rate can trigger an elimination of this type. This accounts for the flashbacks one can
have with LSD and other drugs.
   When a medication is released, a person may experience symptoms associated with that drug.
For example, antihistamine release may cause fatigue and dryness of the throat. Caffeine release
may cause nervousness or irritability as the caffeine is released back into the blood stream to be
eliminated.
   In addition to toxic metals and drugs, other toxins may be eliminated. These include metabolic
end-products or waste products of metabolism which may cause foul odors and bad breath.
Pockets of bacteria that have been encapsulated for years may be released. Industrial chemicals
that were inhaled or that one was exposed to many years ago may be eliminated.
   One should be prepared for almost anything. There is no way to tell which toxic substances or
how much is inside a person, although the case history and hair analysis are helpful. Most
reactions are minor in nature and pass quickly. Occasionally, a reaction is quite vigorous and
requires considerable support. Support is the key because these reactions usually cannot and
should not, be suppressed.

Toxic Metal Elimination
   One surprising aspect of healing reactions is the large amount of toxic metals that may be
stored. Some patients continue to undergo healing crises for years. Repeat hair mineral analyses
confirm the continued elimination of toxic metals.
   Many people are under the false impression that only a few months are required to eliminate all
their toxins and heavy metals. Even more ridiculous are suggestions that by fasting for thirty days
or so, one can eliminate all noxious substances. It just doesn't work that way. Detoxification is
often a slow process, because the body can only eliminate a certain amount of toxic substances at
any given time.

Decompensation Or Rebalancing Reactions
   A second and more complicated cause for the symptoms of healing reactions may be called
decompensation reactions or rebalancing reactions. These are reactions that occur as the
body shifts quickly from one homeostatic state to another as a result of a correctional health
program.
   The sequence of events is as follows: As nutritional deficiencies mount and as toxic metals and
other toxins accumulate slowly in the body, the glands and organs adapt to the depleted state of
nutrition as best they can. Certain endocrine glands may become overactive, others become
sluggish. The endocrine glands compensate for each other to offset or cope optimally. One
manifestation of this is a change in the oxidation rate. A person may be aware of these changes.
He or she may feel older or suffer from an energy loss. However, they fail to understand that the
entire body is going through an adaptation process.
    When a mineral balancing program is instituted, nutritional stress is often relieved very quickly.
For example, a simple change in diet may relieve excessive strain on the pancreas if a person has
been eating excessive sugar. When stress is reduced, the body begins to re-adjust, re-adapt and
re-balance. It moves back toward the state it was in years previously. This is called
decompensation.
   Previously the body was compensating. All of a sudden it no longer has to compensate. The
change may occur quickly. The disease process happened slowly, with slow change in all the
glands. Now we may suddenly provide support to the adrenal glands or the liver. The result is
often an uneven correction.
   The adrenal glands may recover first and the thyroid gland may recover later. Kidney function
may improve dramatically for the first few months and then some other organ is affected. This
process of uneven and rapid adjustment may cause unpleasant reactions. All of a sudden one
may not feel hungry for a few days, or there may be an increased desire for food. One may need
more sleep, or be unable to sleep for a few days. Mood swings may occur. Physical symptoms
may occur as one passes back through old mineral patterns, or into new patterns that have never
been experienced.
   Numerous changes may be noted and some may cause alarm. Skin eruptions may occur
temporarily. Rebalancing is quite a complex process. However, these reactions are normal. With
reassurance and understanding, the reactions subside.

An Example of Decompensation
   One particular type of decompensation that can be disturbing to the patient and to the
practitioner occurs if a person is a slow oxidizer with excessive cadmium poisoning. This is a
common situation. When a person with this pattern begins a mineral balancing program, the first
symptom is usually an improvement because the oxidation rate increases. However, soon
cadmium begins to be eliminated. One is then going to feel tired. Often, more tired than
previously. This occurs because cadmium has an aldosterone-like effect, it raises one's sodium
level. As cadmium is eliminated, the sodium level drops, resulting in a slowing of the oxidation
rate.
   The resulting fatigue produces a temptation to stop the nutrition program. But in fact, the
solution is to remain on the program and increase the oxidation rate again. The patient will feel
better in a week or so. Rest is also indicated to assist healing. With rest the oxidation rate
becomes balanced again, energy levels increase and as a consequence, the body begins
eliminating more cadmium. This in turn slows down the oxidation rate and the person feels tired
again, often even worse than when he began his nutritional balancing program. Again, the only
solution to this problem is to go back on the program to continue the correction process. So it
goes - like being on a roller coaster until all the cadmium is eliminated. Then a permanent feeling
of well-being will occur. This is an example of one type of toxic metal elimination and rebalancing
process. By understanding the process, the mystery of it can be explained.

How To Distinguish A Healing Crisis From A Disease Crisis
   When a healing reaction occurs, patients often ask, "Am I getting better or am I getting
worse?" This is a legitimate question! It is possible that the person is not getting better.
   Several questions can help one discern a healing from a disease crisis.

Emotional Healing Reactions And Emotional Retracing
   Emotional reactions and retracing involve the same principle as physical reactions. However,
they are less often expected. Most people can cope with a cold, a sore throat or a rash and they
understand that these happen on the nutritional correction programs. However, many do not
understand why they should suddenly feel depressed, afraid or angry while they are on a nutrition
program. Here are some specific mechanisms and principles of these reactions.

Association Of Memories With Biochemical Patterns
   The first factor that can cause emotional reactions is the association of memories with mineral
patterns. It is well known that thoughts and memories may be triggered by such things as odors,
music, or specific locations that remind the person of something from the past. What is less well
known is that memories can also be associated with specific biochemical patterns. As we rebuild
and rebalance the body chemistry a person may pass through a mineral pattern of 20 years ago.
Suddenly, thoughts or feelings from that time can flood into consciousness.
   The change in body chemistry unlocks, releasing feelings that were dormant or subconscious.
To suddenly experience these feelings can be frightening inasmuch as they can occur out of the
blue, when one thought they had finished with or forgotten a particular situation or emotion.

Emotional Completion
   The second reason for emotional healing reactions is the completion concept. Many times a
person does not have the energy to deal thoroughly and completely with emotional situations or
traumas. Lack of completion occurs because at the time of the trauma one's energy was not
sufficiently high enough to completely handle the situation. A normal response may have been
aborted for a variety of reasons. A trauma may go back to childhood when a person was not
allowed to experience all the associated feelings. Or it was not appropriate for a child to express
certain feelings about his parents or about his teachers. These uncompleted, unfinished episodes
are lying dormant. As an individual's energy level increases as a result of following a health
program, one may suddenly be able to complete these emotional experiences.
   Several examples may be helpful. One patient complained only of tiredness, but he appeared
to be agitated and irritable. A week later he was completely changed, he was calm and peaceful.
Obviously what had occurred was that he had obtained the energy necessary to express certain
feelings, in this case anger and rage, which he had not been able to express before. Once the
feelings were expressed, he became calm and quiet.
   A more frequent type of emotional reaction occurs with people who have a tendency to mental
depression. One may notice on the hair analysis the person has a depression pattern. A very slow
oxidation rate is one common depression pattern. Ask the person, "Do you feel very tired and
depressed?" The client may say, "No, not really." After several weeks on the program, all of
sudden he or she will feel extreme depression and sadness. It is often shocking. One thinks the
vitamins and minerals have made them depressed. They don't understand what is going on.
   The explanation is as follows: It requires energy to feel depression, sadness, or any other
emotion fully. Until a person has sufficient energy, they won't feel it. They simply will block it out
and not deal with it. On the nutrition program, one attains or acquires the energy to feel.
Sometimes for the first time, one really feels bad, lonely or depressed. This is quite a shock.
People tell us they have never felt this bad. It is strange to think that giving a person energy
causes them to feel sadness, but that is exactly what happens. The solution is to stay with the
program and the feelings will pass. That is, the client will complete the experience. He or she will
feel the feelings, cry or whatever needs to happen and then will be all right. It is similar to a small
child who, when hurt, cries and screams for a few minutes. When it is over, the child is happy
again. That is the process of completion.

Awareness and Emotional Reactions
   Improvement in health and energy levels causes an increase in awareness of one's
environment. This may be pleasant, but it can also bring unhappy realizations about one's
environment, friends, living situations, employment, etc. To have these realizations during a
nutrition program is not at all unusual. This can cause difficulties in relationships and have an
upsetting effect on the status quo. One may realize that one settled for a certain situation because
no other options seemed possible, or because one's energy level was so low that no other option
seemed workable. As awareness and energy improve, one's job or living situation often is viewed
differently and more options seem possible.

Handling Healing Reactions
   Reassurance is the most important action needed to assist a client with a healing reaction.
Most reactions will take their course and resolve by themselves. Extra rest is helpful. At times the
regular supplement program can be discontinued for a day or two until the reaction passes. The
program should not be discontinued, however, if one is a slow oxidizer and the supplement
program is helping to provide energy.
   Chronic infections that become acute in a healing process can cause annoying symptoms, such
as a sore throat or a bladder infection. Extra vitamin A, vitamin C, Limcomin and herbs such as
echinacea and golden seal may be helpful to overcome the infectious process more rapidly.
   For toxic metal eliminations, lecithin may be used to slow down reactions. The phosphorus in
lecithin can slow the toxic metal elimination. GB-3 (3-6 per day) an Endo-met supplement can
assist detoxification through the liver. Renamide can assist elimination through the kidneys. This is
particularly useful for cadmium and mercury elimination symptoms.
   Copper elimination may be rendered less annoying by adding molybdenum and sulfur
(Moly-Cu 1-1-1) to the nutrition program. Cadmium elimination may be assisted by additional
calcium, zinc and Renamide. Supplemental selenium may be helpful for cadmium and mercury
toxicity. Additional vitamin C may help the elimination of all the toxic metals, providing the
vitamin C does not unbalance the body chemistry. A high dose of vitamin C may not be helpful
for fast oxidizers, as it can create a copper deficiency. Up to 1000 mg is generally safe for
everyone. Slow oxidizers can take much more.
   Also helpful are any natural therapies that assist the eliminative organs - the skin, lungs, liver,
kidneys and colon. Procedures that can help alleviate annoying elimination symptoms include:
colonic irrigation, enemas, massage, steam baths or sauna and any other therapy that helps
balance the body.

Conclusion
   Healing reactions or retracing are a necessary and important part of the healing process. While
not all clients will experience them, most will have reactions at some time. Helping clients to
understand that retracing is a positive aspect of their health program and dispelling fear and worry
is the key to assuring a successful outcome.

This material is for educational purposes only
The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Copyright © 1992 - The Eck Institute of Applied Nutrition and Bioenergetics, Ltd.

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