The meaning of the weird and the wonderful you might experience during a holistic treatment!
When people first try a holistic treatment, they often come expecting a relaxing experience, some time out for themselves, or looking for a solution to a wellbeing issue they have been dealing with for a while. What they don’t usually expect is some of the other benefits or sensations they experience.
For some this is going down a more wacky, woo route than they are used to and can find it weird, for others it’s a thrill to experience the more ‘energetic’ side of holistic treatments and they can’t get enough of it. Some embrace this side of the experiences and they love the connection with energy, others simply dismiss it is something odd they don’t understand (even to the deny that it ever happens).
Whatever your view point, if you have had a holistic experience and felt or seen any of the points below, I’d suggest – go with the flow and allow your body to experience them without judgement. And .. enjoy!
Some sensations you might feel in a holistic experience:
Tingling or pins & needles
Often this can be in the extremities – fingers, toes or top of your head (but not exclusively here).
It is believed that this is energy beginning to move or unblock. It is often felt when your circulation improves of stagnant chi* shifts.
Warmth or Heat
This can be felt in single spots or as a flow – often a warmth progressing up the legs in reflexology.
It is believed that this is energy flowing freely, or that this area of the body is waking up and responding to healing.
Coolness or Cold Spots
Similar to ‘warmth or heat’ but more usually felt as a cold flow (some describe it as a rush or feeling like water).
It is believed that this is possible stagnation or where areas need more attention. If this is felt during a reflexology session, I would suggest having a massage for this area of the body at the same session, or for your next one.
A heaviness or light pressure.
This is not the pressure from the therapist, but a feeling of weight on you. Similar to the feeling as you drift off to sleep where you are entering a state of deep relaxation.
Sudden emotion (tears, laughter, sighing, happiness, sadness)
This is nothing to be scared of; holistic experiences may release emotions that have been suppressed. It might be that life has been busy, and you have been suppressing feelings that have bothered you; a situation you have not had the energy to deal with. This release of emotion is good, and when in a safe environment of the treatment room you can allow this to happen without judgement or fear of consequences. It can be wonderful release.
This can happen when working on emotional release and is part of the healing process; it can also be connected to hormonal work.
Stomach gurgling or fluttering (like butterflies)
Okay, you may be having the treatment straight after you have eaten (not advisable), or before you are due to eat (again not ideal). But if neither of these are the case, these feelings (and noises) can be due to the parasympathetic nervous system** being activated (the rest and digest response). The body healing itself.
Aching or tenderness in specific reflex points – usually in reflexology
We’ve all had this feeling. When It feels like the therapist is pushing a needle or blunt object into our foot, or an area makes you flinch. I always say, ‘reflexology shouldn’t hurt’ but there are occasions in which it can catch you out. This more often happens on a pressure point relating to an organ and can indicate it needing a bit more support. The consultation taken or case history will often corroborate this. Holistic therapies looking at you as a whole may include lifestyle advice, encouragement to see a medical professional or something else. We can never diagnose as a therapist, but sometimes we spot imbalances early on and can direct you to seem medical care as a precaution.
Now moving onto colours… yes.. some people experience colours when having a holistic treatments. When they do, they tend to ask what the colours mean. So here is a handy summary.
The colours we see behind closed eyes or in visualisations are thought to be connected to the chakras***. (see my short blog on chakras for more information).
White or Gold Light – is thought to be about spiritual connection, protection, or high-frequency healing.
Blue – is thought to be connected with calm, peace, and communication. This is often linked to the throat chakra – an expression of your truth.
Green – is thought to be connected to the heart healing, emotional balance, and compassion. It is often linked to the heart chakra.
Purple or Indigo – is one I hear from people often after an experience – this is about intuition, and the third eye activation.
Pink – is lovely when you experience it. Connecting to self-love, comfort, and nurturing energy. When you have this , you know you have had a great holistic experience.
Red – grounding, vitality, or reenergising. This is thought to be connected to the root chakra – safety and stability.
Yellow – this is a deep emotional connection, often linked with the solar plexus chakra (the seat of emotion). Think confidence, clarity, and a personal power. See this and you can tackle anything in the coming days.
Black or grey – it might sound ominous when I talk about seeing black. But don’t be fearful of the dark side! This is about deep intense rest, and a subconscious release. When you experience this you may have had some real emotional stuff going on and its time for that to settle and for you to take time for yourself. Seeing some darkness during a holistic experience might be just what you needed to reset.
*chi – Chi is often described as the body’s vital energy. While not directly measurable by science, it’s thought to represent the flow of biological and electromagnetic signals that support health and balance. When this flow is disrupted—due to stress, poor posture, or emotional strain—it can lead to tension, fatigue, or imbalance. Therapies like reflexology and massage aim to restore this flow for optimal well-being.
** parasympathetic nervous system – The “rest and digest” response is governed by the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. When activated, it counteracts the stress-driven “fight or flight” state by slowing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and stimulating digestive activity. It promotes cellular repair, immune function, and hormonal balance. Therapies like massage and reflexology support this shift by reducing cortisol and encouraging the release of calming neurotransmitters like serotonin and acetylcholine.
*** Chakras – Chakras are energy centres within the body, rooted in ancient Eastern traditions. There are seven main chakras, each linked to different physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being. When these energy centres are balanced and flowing freely, we feel more aligned, healthy, and connected. Blocked chakras can show up as tension, fatigue, or emotional imbalance.