Healing Others, Healing Yourself: The Truth About Energy Work and Mediumship

If you’ve ever done energy work, Reiki, or mediumship, you’ve probably felt it—that post-session mix of exhaustion, euphoria, and “Did I just channel pure magic or completely drain myself?” vibes.

We hear it all the time: Healing others heals yourself.

But what does that actually mean? And more importantly—is it always true?

Let’s break down the energetic exchange of healing and mediumship, the hidden costs of spiritual work, and how to avoid burning yourself out while helping others.

1. Does Healing Others Really Heal You?

On paper, it makes sense—when you channel healing energy for someone else, you’re also receiving that energy as it flows through you.

🔮 Reiki practitioners, for example, are taught that when they give a session, they’re also absorbing healing energy themselves.🔮 Mediums often feel uplifted after a great session, as if spirit has topped up their energy.🔮 Even therapists and coaches talk about how guiding others through their struggles brings clarity and healing to their own lives.

So, in many cases—yes, healing others can heal you.

✔️ You align with high vibrational energy.✔️ You deepen your connection with spirit.✔️ You experience profound moments of love, forgiveness, and peace.

BUT… (and it’s a big but) it’s not always that simple.

2. The Energy Cost of Healing & Mediumship

Here’s what no one tells you:

Just because you’re channeling healing energy doesn’t mean you won’t feel drained.

Ever finished a reading, healing session, or spiritual event and felt:😴 Exhausted (like you need to nap for a week)?😡 Irritable (because you absorbed too much from your sitter)?😢 Emotional (because their grief stayed with you)?

That’s because spiritual work still takes something from you.

Even though the healing energy itself isn’t “yours”, you are still:

• Holding space for deep emotions

• Using your own mental, emotional, and physical energy

• Staying fully present while channeling

And if you don’t manage your energy properly, that “healing others, healing yourself” thing can flip on its head—fast.

✔️ Yes, healing others can fill you up.❌ But it can also empty you out.

3. When Healing Turns into an Energy Drain

So, why does healing leave some people energized and others exhausted?

1. Taking on Your Sitter’s Energy

If you’re an empath (which, let’s be honest, most mediums and healers are), it’s easy to absorb other people’s energy.

During a session, you might accidentally take on their grief, pain, or stress—especially if you haven’t set proper energetic boundaries.

✔️ Solution: Before a session, mentally state: "I hold space for their healing, but I do not take their energy as my own."

2. Working from Your Own Energy Instead of Universal Energy

Healing should be channeled through you, not from you—but if you’re running on empty, your body will try to use your own energy instead of drawing from spirit.

This is where burnout begins.

✔️ Solution: Make sure you’re grounded, rested, and energetically aligned before sessions. If you’re already drained, take a break instead of pushing through.

3. Overgiving Without Receiving

Many spiritual workers have a bad habit—giving, giving, and giving some more… but never allowing themselves to receive.

If your entire spiritual practice is based on serving others without taking time to replenish yourself, you will eventually crash.

✔️ Solution: Allow yourself to receive healing, too. That means:

• Booking your own healing sessions (Reiki, massage, energy clearing)

• Taking days off without guilt

• Letting spirit fill your cup before you pour into others

4. How to Heal Without Draining Yourself

Healing is a two-way exchange—but only if you approach it correctly.

Here’s how to ensure your energy stays balanced:

1. Set Strong Boundaries

🚫 Not everyone is entitled to your energy. You don’t have to say yes to every session, every request, or every person who wants help.

👑 Protect your energy like it’s sacred—because it is.

2. Ground & Clear Your Energy Regularly

Before a session: Ground yourself. After a session: Clear your energy.

Simple practices that make a huge difference:✔️ Walk barefoot on the earth✔️ Take salt baths✔️ Use Reiki or visualization to cut energetic cords

3. Know When to Rest

If you’re waking up tired, dreading sessions, or feeling resentful, that’s your soul’s way of saying STOP.

💡 Rest isn’t laziness—it’s essential for longevity in this work.

5. Final Thoughts: Healing Should Feel Good, Not Exhausting

Yes, healing others can heal you. But only if you’re doing it from a place of balance, not depletion.

If you constantly feel drained, resentful, or overworked, it’s time to reassess your approach.

✔️ Work smarter, not harder.✔️ Protect your energy.✔️ Give yourself the same healing you give others.

Because the best healers aren’t the ones who sacrifice themselves for others—they’re the ones who know how to receive as much as they give.

💬 Have you ever felt drained after a healing or mediumship session? How do you protect your energy? Drop your thoughts in the comments!