True healing doesn’t happen overnight—and it doesn’t always look like progress at first. One of the most misunderstood aspects of holistic health is the way symptoms can temporarily worsen or shift as the body heals. That’s where Hering’s Law of Cure comes in.
This principle is foundational to natural healing and describes how the body works to resolve imbalance without pushing illness deeper or disrupting its internal priorities.
What is Hering’s Law of Cure?
Dr. Constantin Hering, a physician and homeopath, observed that the body heals in a predictable pattern:
- From the inside out – Deeper, vital organs heal first; symptoms may then shift to the skin or extremities.
- From the head down – Symptoms may move from the upper body to the lower body as healing progresses.
- In reverse order of appearance – The most recent symptoms disappear first; older and deeper issues take longer.
- Temporary symptom recurrence – Past symptoms may briefly resurface, usually milder and shorter in duration, before fully resolving.
This is why it’s often said:
“All cure starts from within out, from the head down, and in reverse order as the symptoms have appeared or been suppressed.”
The Science Behind It
The body constantly adapts to maintain homeostasis (balance). When under stress—whether from poor nutrition, toxins, or illness—it prioritizes survival:
- Vital organs get first dibs on oxygen, nutrients, and immune support (brain, heart, liver, kidneys).
- Non-essential systems (skin, digestion, reproduction) may show symptoms or lose function as energy is diverted.
- As healing begins, deeper imbalances resolve first, and surface-level symptoms may appear or reappear—this is not regression; it’s progress.
Chronic Conditions and the Timeline of Healing
Most chronic conditions don’t appear overnight—they’ve been building for months, even years. So expecting complete resolution in a few weeks is unrealistic.
- 1 month: Begin to see improvements, assuming causative factors (like food intolerance, toxins, or stress) have been addressed.
- 6 months or longer: Full healing takes time, depending on the severity of imbalance, the age and vitality of the dog, and the consistency of care.
This is a marathon, not a sprint. But it’s worth every step when you’re supporting real, lasting health.
Remember: Food First!
You cannot out-supplement a bad diet.
Even one or two seemingly “safe” ingredients can cause inflammation in a sensitive dog. Just because a food is marketed for dogs doesn’t mean it’s ideal for your dog.
So before reaching for more supplements or treatments, evaluate the basics:
- Is the current food supporting or stressing the system?
- Are there ingredients known to cause sensitivity in dogs?
- Are we adding nourishing, fresh foods—or continuing processed ones that delay healing?
How Hering’s Law Shows Up in Natural Healing Modalities
Let’s look at how this principle applies across different holistic approaches:
1. Herbal Medicine & Functional Nutrition
Herbs and whole-food nutrition work from the inside out to rebalance organ systems.
- Liver herbs (milk thistle, dandelion, burdock): May cause temporary digestive upset or skin eruptions as the body detoxes.
- Nutritional detox (raw, fermented, or fasting): Can trigger fatigue, flu-like symptoms, or skin issues before balance is restored.
- Gut healing: Often results in initial loose stools or gas as the microbiome shifts.
These are not setbacks—they’re signs the body is adjusting and eliminating waste.
2. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) & Acupuncture
TCM views health through the lens of energy (Qi) flow and organ balance.
- Acupuncture may cause temporary flare-ups as energy is unblocked.
- Old symptoms (e.g., arthritis, allergies) may reappear as internal imbalances are resolved.
- Healing follows the law—surface symptoms often emerge before complete resolution.
3. Essential Oils & Aromatherapy
When used safely and correctly, essential oils support natural detox and energetic balance.
- Oils like lemon, juniper, and rosemary support detox and may cause brief skin reactions or tiredness.
- Oils like frankincense and lavender can bring emotional memories to the surface for healing.
- Circulatory oils (peppermint, cinnamon) may create tingling or skin warmth as blood flow increases.
This outward movement of symptoms reflects the body’s self-healing intelligence.
4. Energy Healing (Reiki, Emotion Code, PEMF, etc.)
Energetic therapies shift patterns held deep within the body’s biofield.
- Reiki or Emotion Code can stir up emotional releases or mood swings.
- PEMF and sound therapy may trigger detox signs like headache, fatigue, or vivid dreams.
- These modalities help restore energetic flow, and as always, healing moves from within to without.
5. Detoxification & Parasite Cleansing
When the body starts clearing parasites, heavy metals, or toxins, it may feel worse before it feels better.
- Parasite cleanses: Itching, mucousy stool, or gassiness are common as bugs exit.
- Heavy metal detox: Can trigger temporary brain fog, fatigue, or skin breakouts.
- Lymphatic support: May cause temporary swelling, mucus, or emotional release as waste exits the body.
This “healing crisis” is also known as a Herxheimer reaction and is a classic sign of detox following Hering’s Law.
Why Suppressing Symptoms Delays Healing
Conventional medicine often aims to quickly eliminate symptoms—without addressing the root cause.
- Steroids suppress inflammation but push it deeper into organs like the liver or kidneys.
- Antibiotics kill off both harmful and beneficial microbes, potentially damaging gut health long-term.
- Surgical removal of organs (like the gallbladder) can leave other organs overburdened.
Suppressing symptoms can lead to chronic illness, new problems, and a greater overall toxic load.
Holistic Healing Requires Patience and Perspective
This journey asks us to trust the body’s design. Symptoms moving, shifting, and briefly intensifying isn’t failure—it’s feedback.
So if your dog:
- Suddenly has itchy skin after starting detox
- Has a few days of low energy after a PEMF session
- Seems to backtrack on gut health for a week…
That doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path. It often means you’re on the right one.
Top Tips for Supporting the Healing Process
- Focus on whole, anti-inflammatory nutrition
- Identify and remove any trigger foods or chemicals
- Prioritize gut and liver health
- Start slow with any new herbs, oils, or detox tools
- Support the lymphatic system (hydration, gentle massage, exercise)
- Track symptoms with a journal to identify patterns
- Stay consistent—even when things shift
Final Thoughts
True healing isn’t linear—and it’s rarely symptom-free. But when we understand the body’s intelligence and follow its lead, we give our dogs the best shot at lifelong wellness.
So be patient. Be observant. And most of all—be committed to healing, not just hiding symptoms.
Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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