Healer’s high

Authors

  • Sanjay Kalra Department of Endocrinology, Bharti Hospital, Karnal, India; & University Center for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
  • Suneet Kumar Verma Department of Medicine, Alchemist Hospital, Panchkula, India; Sparsh Clinic, Zirakpur, India
  • Nitin Kapoor Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India & Non-communicable disease unit, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.23-73

Abstract

We explore the concept of healer’s high, a phenomenon similar to runner’s high. We define healer’s high as a psycho-endocrine response of intense happiness and bliss, accompanied by a feeling of enhanced energy, experienced by health care professionals when they heal or help someone. We describe the endocrinology that underlies healer’s high, and posit that this phenomenon may be used to enhance professional satisfaction, and mitigate compassion fatigue and burnout.

Keyword: beta-endorphins, endocannabinoids, holistic endocrinology, opioids, person-centred care, psychosocial aspects.

Published

2023-09-13

How to Cite

Sanjay Kalra, Suneet Kumar Verma, & Nitin Kapoor. (2023). Healer’s high. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 73(10), 2114–2115. https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.23-73

Issue

Section

PRIMARY CARE DIABETES

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