Energy Healing Caused Pain: Why Reiki & Bodywork Hurts Sometimes

Hurt After Energy Healing: Understanding Painful Healing Reactions

You received energy healing—reiki, acupuncture, massage, or other bodywork—expecting to feel relaxed and better. But instead, you're in pain. The area that was worked on hurts, you have new aches or pains that weren't there before, you feel worse than before the session, or you're experiencing physical discomfort that's concerning. You're left wondering: why does energy healing hurt? Did the practitioner do something wrong? Is this normal? Should I be worried? Will the pain go away?

Pain after energy healing is more common than people realize and usually indicates one of several things: a healing crisis as blocked energy releases, the practitioner worked too intensely, you're highly sensitive, or rarely, something actually went wrong. Understanding why energy healing can cause pain and knowing when it's normal versus when it's a problem can help you navigate this uncomfortable experience and decide what to do next.

Why Energy Healing Causes Pain

1. Healing Crisis (Energy Release)

The most common reason: blocked energy is being released and it hurts as it moves.

What's happening:

• You had energetic blockages in your body
• The healing work activated and released them
• As blocked energy moves out, it can cause pain
• Old injuries, trauma, or stuck emotions are surfacing
• This is temporary discomfort as healing occurs

Signs it's healing crisis:

• Pain started during or right after the session
• It's in an area that was worked on or related to it
• It feels like something is moving or releasing
• Pain gradually decreases over 1-3 days
• You feel better overall despite the temporary pain

2. Practitioner Worked Too Intensely

The healer used too much pressure, energy, or intensity for your system.

What happens:

• The practitioner pushed too hard physically or energetically
• Your body/energy system is overwhelmed
• Tissues are bruised or irritated
• Energy channels are overstimulated

Signs of too-intense work:

• Pain is sharp, severe, or worsening
• You felt uncomfortable during the session but didn't speak up
• Bruising or physical damage
• Pain doesn't improve after a few days

3. You're Highly Sensitive

Some people are more sensitive to energy work and feel everything more intensely.

If you're sensitive:

• You feel energy work very strongly
• What's gentle for others is intense for you
• You have strong physical reactions to subtle work
• You need lighter touch and gentler approaches

4. Old Injury or Trauma Activated

Energy healing can activate old injuries or trauma stored in the body.

What's happening:

• You have an old injury (even if healed)
• Or trauma stored in your body
• Energy work touches that area
• The old pain or memory surfaces
• You feel pain as the body processes and releases it

5. Detox Reaction

Energy healing can trigger physical detoxification.

Detox symptoms:

• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• General malaise

Timeline: Usually resolves within 24-48 hours.

What to Do When Energy Healing Causes Pain

Step 1: Assess the Pain

Normal healing pain:

• Mild to moderate discomfort
• Gradually improving over 1-3 days
• Feels like something is releasing

Problem pain:

• Severe or worsening
• Lasting more than a few days
• Accompanied by injury

Step 2: Support the Healing

• Drink lots of water
• Rest and allow your body to process
• Gentle movement like walking or stretching
• Warm bath with Epsom salts
• Apply heat or ice as needed

Step 3: Communicate With Your Practitioner

Let them know about the pain:

• They can advise if it's normal
• They may adjust future sessions
• They can provide aftercare guidance

Step 4: Seek Medical Help If Needed

See a doctor if:

• Pain is severe or worsening
• You have signs of injury
• Pain lasts more than a week
• You have other concerning symptoms

How to Prevent Pain From Energy Healing

Communicate during the session: Speak up if something hurts

Tell them you're sensitive: If you are, let them know upfront

Start gentle: Ask for lighter work initially

Hydrate before and after: Helps with detox

Choose experienced practitioners: Check credentials and reviews

FAQs About Energy Healing Pain

Is it normal to hurt after reiki?

Some temporary discomfort is normal as energy releases. Severe or lasting pain is not normal.

How long should pain last after energy healing?

Normal healing pain typically resolves within 1-3 days. Pain lasting longer may indicate a problem.

Should I continue with the same practitioner?

If pain was normal healing crisis and they're skilled, yes. If they caused harm or ignored your boundaries, find someone else.

Can energy healing cause permanent damage?

Rarely. Most pain is temporary. However, very intense or improper work can occasionally cause lasting issues.

What if the pain is emotional, not physical?

Energy healing can release emotional pain too. This is normal. Seek support from a therapist if overwhelming.

The Bottom Line

Pain after energy healing usually indicates a healing crisis as blocked energy releases, though it can also mean the work was too intense or you're highly sensitive. Most pain is temporary and resolves within a few days with proper self-care.

Support yourself by hydrating, resting, and allowing the healing process. Communicate with your practitioner about the pain. Seek medical help if pain is severe, worsening, or lasting more than a week.

And remember: some discomfort during healing is normal, but you should never feel harmed or violated. Trust your body and speak up if something doesn't feel right.