Healer’s high

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.