Is There Negative Energy in Hospitals?

Article by Deborah Lloyd, Reiki Master

Recently, a Reiki student asked me how to cope with the negative energy in hospitals. She had an ill aunt in the hospital and felt an energy disturbance every time she visited. She wondered aloud how doctors and nurses can work in such a difficult environment. I agreed with her that hospital work is difficult indeed – long hours, frenetic pace, complex dilemmas. And, the patient experience certainly is challenging, and sometimes sad. But, do these settings only create negative energy? Is there anything positive? What is the student feeling?

The answer to these questions is that both negative – and positive – energies are present. Hospitals (and all health care settings) can take their toll on patients and families, as well as the professionals. Having a medical problem can stir up uncomfortable emotions for patients – fear, anxiety, bewilderment, denial, the list goes on. The limbo, or “not knowing” phase, where one waits for tests, medication, or surgical results can last for hours, or many apprehensive days.

These emotional crises are distressing, and certainly feel negative. One might argue since these emotions are based on fear, rather than love, they are negative. On the other hand, there is an argument that these emotions are positive in the sense they reflect a love of ourselves, our lives, and our families. We never feel ready for sickness, or a terminal prognosis. We want our blessed lives to continue. These times are part of our life journey and can illuminate, clarify and strengthen our spiritual beliefs. The patient’s journey has both positive and negative energies associated with it.

Add to this, the compassionate care of the professionals. Most health care professionals are dedicated to a life of caring service, to bring healing to others. Unfortunately, in many settings, schedules are too tight and caseloads are practically insurmountable. Yet, these professionals stay in the health care fields their entire career. Why? They are fully committed to making lives better for others, through their training and expertise. These professionals bring a loving, positive energy to the medical setting – even when all outside factors seem to be working against them.

On the other hand, health care professionals can bring negative energy into the healing environment. This may be due to personal difficulties, or burnout and exhaustion. It is incumbent upon them to recognize what energies they are exuding, each time they interact with a patient and family members. Their energies can enhance, or impede, healing.

Hospitals, as well as physician offices, emergency treatment centers, nursing homes and other places of care, bring many people into a confined space, at the same time. The energies flowing around are incalculable, and change minute to minute. Like my Reiki student, those of us sensitive to energy may feel all these vibrations and think it is negative. Almost all of life’s complicated situations have both negative and positive energies, but sometimes we need to conscientiously sort through what we feel.

Additionally, as Reiki healing practitioners, we can also bring healing energy into health care centers. Our intentional thoughts and loving emotions will affect the energy of all. Through Reiki, we can bring light into places fraught with stress. The more we use Reiki, the more we will be able to see and feel the positive energies, and decrease the negative ones. Try it, and you will see yet another way to use Reiki in your life!

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Deborah Lloyd is a Usui and Karuna Reiki® Master and certified holistic therapy practitioner, providing Distant Reiki sessions and training in Asheville, NC. Deborah is the author of two books, 22 Messages from the Archangels; and, Believe and it is True: A Story of Healing and Life Lessons. She is also one of the co-authors of Reiki 101: 101 Answers for Your Reiki Questions. Reach Deborah at deb@deblloydhealing.com and on Facebook at Deb Lloyd Healing.