The Healing Hangover
What to Expect After Somatic Therapy
After a somatic healing session, it's not uncommon to experience what is often referred to as a "healing hangover." This term describes the temporary physical, emotional, and mental discomfort that can follow deep therapeutic work, particularly when it involves accessing and releasing long-held traumas and emotions stored in the body. The discomfort is not creating new problems for the body, but releasing the issues that are lying deep below the surface. Understanding this can help you with greater ease and self-compassion in the days following your session .
Why Does the Healing Hangover Occur?
Somatic therapy works by delving into the body’s memory, tapping into traumas, emotions, and stressors that may have been stored for years or decades, and often since childhood. During a session, as these deep-seated issues are brought to the surface and begin to release, your body and mind undergo a detoxification process.
Similar to how the body might feel unwell after a physical detox, such as during a cleanse, the mind and body can experience discomfort as emotional toxins are released. This temporary discomfort is a sign that your system is processing and integrating the changes brought about during the session, and indicates that significant, transformative work is taking place. Donald Epstein writes, “Healing occurs the instant a physical or mechanical obstruction is removed, or the instant we express our inner wisdom. Healing occurs the instant that parts of our body begin to share their stories with one another”.
Common Experiences During a Healing Hangover
Physical Sensations: Some people report feeling very tired, experiencing muscle aches, headaches, or even flu-like symptoms. These physical sensations occur because the body is adjusting to the release of long-held tension and the recalibration of the nervous system.
Emotional Shifts: You might notice emotions like sadness, anger, or anxiety surfacing unexpectedly. This is a normal part of the detox process, where unresolved emotions stored in the body are coming to the surface to be acknowledged and released.
Feeling dazed or disorientated: A common symptom is feeling mentally sluggish or unfocused. This mental fog is a result of the brain adjusting to new neural pathways being formed as old, unhelpful patterns are dissolved.
Heightened Sensitivity: Some individuals find themselves more sensitive to their environment or to the emotions of others. This heightened sensitivity reflects the body’s adjustment to a state of greater awareness and healing.
Feeling Lighter: It is important to note that not everyone goes through a major detox. In fact it’s also common to feel lighter, more relieved, or even euphoric. This sense of lightness often occurs as the weight of stored emotions and tension is lifted, leaving you with a newfound sense of freedom and clarity.
How to Support Yourself During the Healing Hangover
Rest: Allow your body time to integrate the changes. Prioritise rest and sleep, giving your system the chance to fully process and recuperate.
Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water is essential. Hydration helps to flush out the physical toxins released during the session and supports your body in its healing process.
Nourish: Grounding and nourishing foods, such as root vegetables, warming hotpots, and proteins, can help stabilise your energy and support your body’s healing efforts.
Gentle Movement: Light physical activities like walking in nature, yoga, or stretching can assist your body in continuing to release any remaining tension and support the flow of energy through your system.
Emotional Care: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Acknowledge any emotions that arise without judgment, and remember they are passing through on their way out of your system.
Resourcing: If intense emotions arise, remember to bring in the resourcing techniques that worked for you in session. There are many ways of internal resourcing so ask your practitioner if you’d like to know more.
Mindful Practices: Incorporating practices like meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness can help calm your nervous system and aid in integrating the healing work on a deeper level.
Limit Stimulation: It’s advisable to avoid overly stimulating environments, consuming heavy media content, alcohol or other drugs. Your nervous system is in a delicate state of recalibration, and minimizing stress will support smoother integration.
The Importance of Patience
Healing is a process, not a single event. The discomfort associated with a healing hangover is a temporary phase, often necessary for deep and lasting change. While it may feel challenging, this discomfort is a sign that your body is actively working to release the old and make way for the new. At the same time, if you’re experiencing moments of lightness or relief, these are indicators of the profound work that has been accomplished.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or have any concerns, please reach out for additional support. Remember, the healing hangover is just one part of your broader journey toward well-being and wholeness.
This article serves as a guide to help you understand and navigate the healing hangover, so you can approach your post-session experience with awareness and self-care.