Clay succeeds by performing a powerful drainage action and attracts all the substances of positive ions. It is perfectly understandable then that all the toxins of the body will direct themselves towards the treated part when clay is applied. Therefore, it is possible and even probable that on beginning the treatment a flaring up of the ailment will be produced; this is only an apparent and not a real worsening; it is due to the cleansing of the ulcer or treated part. This is referred to as a healing crisis.

Taking the clay internally daily is suggested along with external applications or poultices for severe skin problems to assist with balancing the body's Ph and removing internal toxins.

As part of the healing process the body will begin to discard toxic residues which have built up in the body over the years. During the initial phase of healing, as your body begins to clean house, (detoxify) and your vital energy begins to repair and rebuild internal organs, you may experience a healing crisis.

You may feel worse before you feel better. As you continue to improve, you may begin a process called retracing. For example, if you used to get skin rashes, the rashes may reappear or get worse for a period of time as your body eliminates toxins through the skin. You may also experience an initial increase in urination, or you may feel more nervous. In actuality, you are not getting worse, you are actually getting better. Soon you will reach a plateau of better health.  

For example, a varicose ulcer will at first enlarge itself, the dead flesh of the periphery will fall off the surface inflate and pus or blood can appear. Pain may even increase for some time but it will decrease later and finally disappear with a definite closing of the ulcer and rebuilding of healthy tissues. We must not be afraid of these reactions; on the contrary, they are desirable, for they are a sign that the organism is responding to this intervention. 

Sometimes an obstacle arises in clay treatment, which can hinder its continuation; the appearance of red patches or eruptions accompanied by unbearable itching. The explanation is that perhaps acid substances flowing from internal regions pass through the tissues attracted by clay. The fact that this itching stops after clay applications would confirm this hypothesis.  

During the healing crisis, it is important to not suppress these temporary symptoms with drugs because they may interrupt the process. It is often helpful to take smaller doses to allow the symptoms to lessen but do not stop completely.  Do however use common sense and listen to your body.

Perry A~ Arledge is the author of Calcium Bentonite Clay Nature's Pathway to Healing (www.TheClayBook.com) and numerous clay articles (www.BentoniteClayInfo.com). She is a frequent guest on health talk radio shows. She is dedicated to spreading the word about clay's healing potential and putting attention on safe healing with Bentonite Clay.  She is available for lectures, radio interviews, and answering questions on clay therapy. Perry A~ can be reached at 1-512-262-7187 and perrya@austin.rr.com. © 2015 Perry A~