Ever since I was a young girl, I was so drawn to holistic therapies and hands-on healing. I would massage my mom’s back and her tension would slowly melt away. I also distinctly remember gravitating towards natural potions and oils at the ‘drugstore’ (does anyone remember The Healing Garden Aroma Oil kit)?!
As I began to attune to what I wanted to do with my life, I became very interested in various healing methods and it was only natural that I chose to become a chiropractic doctor, using the gifts given to me in my hands.
I felt compelled to write this article to offer a healer’s perspective and share insights on what it’s like to be a part of this livelihood that really chooses us. At its core, the role of a healer is to facilitate the healing process- to promote wellness and restore balance in people’s lives.
I wanted to relay some of the aspects of being given so much trust and responsibility to take care of people just like you. The life of a healer is to provide a glimmer of hope, cheerlead with compassion, and be in service to people’s wellbeing. There is also an underlying dedication to ongoing learning and refinement of skills. As a healer, it is truly an honor to help individuals feel better and achieve their best physical, mental, and emotional health.
In order to hold space for healing, there are several daily rituals that I perform (for ex. yoga stretches and breathwork meditation, journaling and lighting incense, etc.) to ensure I am grounded and able to provide a sense of peace and calmness to every client session. Just like everyone else, healers go through ups and downs and the ebbs and flows of life. However, a big component of being an effective healer is the ability to anchor and be embodied. This helps us rebalance and reset and continue to provide support regardless of what may be going on in our personal or professional world.
Qualities of a Healer
Being present is paramount as a healer, so that people feel heard and at ease, no matter what the problem is. Whether the issue is back pain, work stress, relationship trouble, anxiety, coping with everyday life, you name it, everything plays a role in the way our nervous systems are navigating through each day.
Sometimes all a person requires is knowing that someone they trust is listening to them, and they can get worries off their chest by voicing their concerns in a safe space. Oftentimes the issue at hand lessens when people share what they have been holding in and suppressing for so long. The stressors of life pile up, but what happens when you can release and take a big sigh in the comfort of someone who is there to support you? :)
Another important aspect of being a healer is having the discernment to diagnose the problem and prioritize what needs to be done for the best outcome. People come in with a wide range of health concerns that could have a variety of causes; however, getting to the root of the issue and utilizing the appropriate techniques is a healer’s expertise.
There must be a good understanding of a vast amount of knowledge concerning the human body, mind, and emotions. Mastery of healing modalities/techniques and their appropriate usage is essential and comes with experience, constant learning and updating of skills.
Being able to comfort and soothe a person while they are in a session is a major component of the healing process and good rapport is absolutely necessary. Feeling safe and supported and well taken care of is essential to effective care.
Healing is oftentimes a long and gradual process. Patience is a virtue and all good healers know this! Through it all, we must continue to be cheerleaders for the long haul and allow people to recover at their own pace. Even though there is no exact timeline for healing, people undoubtedly want to feel a shift and feel better. Being efficient and effective as a healer comes with experience and wisdom gained from years of dedicated study and practice to perfect our craft.
Many holistic healers develop a strong sense of intuition and are able to dig deep into underlying issues that may have never been acknowledged or addressed before. This ability often helps guide people toward healing in a non-judgmental way.
Challenges Healers Face
While the life of a healer can be incredibly fulfilling, it is not without its challenges. Healers often work in emotionally and physically demanding environments. More time is spent one-on-one with clients and with that comes a high level of responsibility.
Some challenges include:
Emotional Drain: We frequently encounter patients who are suffering from acute pain, trauma, or chronic illness. This can be emotionally exhausting, especially when progress is slow, dealing with tough cases and when patients do not follow the recommended treatment plan.
Burnout: Most healers care about people a lot, and strive to meet the needs of their patients. We often think about how patients are doing and how to help them even after the work day is complete. Without proper self-care and work-life balance, burnout can become a significant issue for wellness practitioners.
Dealing with Skepticism: Healers in the complementary and holistic health field often face misunderstanding from people who rely solely on traditional medicine methodology. This can be discouraging and disheartening, but is mitigated by perseverance, patient education, strong outcomes and client testimonials.
Also, there are times when healers may not be treated with respect and even though most of the time we don’t take it personally (and know it’s likely due to a client being stressed or in pain), this is a gentle reminder to be kind to your healer, we are here to help!
Physical Strain: Many healers, especially those of us who work hands on, may experience physical strain. The repetitive motions and the need to maintain a high level of physical stamina can eventually lead to injury or fatigue over time. It is so important for us to maintain a good wellness routine for the long-term health of our bodies.
The Rewards and Fulfilment that come with being a Healer
Despite the challenges, the life of a healer is incredibly fulfilling. Some of the most rewarding aspects include:
Making an Impact: One of the best things about being a healer is knowing that you’ve had a positive change on someone's life. When a person comes in feeling stressed and leaves the session feeling better after having care, the satisfaction is remarkable!
Personal Growth: Healing work requires self-awareness, continuous learning, kindness, and an open heart. Helping others heal also helps us evolve on our own journey in the world.
Meaningful Connections: Healers build rapport and form a trusted bond with clients, often becoming confidantes and sources of support. We get to witness the incredible transformation of people getting better and feeling good in their bodies over a span of time.
Helping people stand in their power: Being a healer empowers patients to regain their strength and confidence in themselves. It is with high respect and regard that we get to help people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives and the ability to do the things that matter to them.
In closing, the life of a healer is a journey of continuous learning, compassionate inquiry, and profound presence. It is a life’s work that requires emotional intelligence, a willingness to face complex issues, and a deep desire to help others. Healers play a vital role in the overall health and wellbeing of society. I personally feel that being a healer offers immense rewards on a daily basis and provides deep purpose in being here now.
Thanks for reading this post and catching a glimpse of my world.
~Dr. Anita Rajan