From Rats to Reiki

Season 2, Episode 1:

Episode Description:

Welcome to Season 2 of Benevolent Journeys!

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ann L. Baldwin, PhD—physiologist, Reiki Master, HeartMath certified trainer, and author—whose remarkable path from lab science to energy medicine reveals the deep wisdom in following the unseen.

While conducting research at the University of Arizona, Dr. Baldwin made a startling discovery: her lab rats’ inflamed intestines weren’t caused by chemicals—they were a physiological response to stress. That revelation led her to explore energy-based healing modalities like Reiki. And in a bold, pivotal act of integrity and purpose, she gave up her tenure at the University of Arizona—a decision that became a defining moment in her benevolent journey.

Now featured on Amazon Prime’s docuseries Bliss Up: Exploring Energy, the Ultimate Healer, Dr. Baldwin blends rigorous science with intuitive healing. She’s published over 125 peer-reviewed articles and books like Reiki in Clinical Practice and The Vagus Nerve in Therapeutic Practice. Her work continues through her role at the HeartMath Institute’s Center for Reiki Research and her equine-assisted studies exploring heart coherence between humans and horses.

In this episode, we explore:

• How heart-focused breathing changes the electromagnetic field of the body

• What happens physiologically when a horse "chooses" a human

• Why stress changes biology—and how energy, breath, and connection reverse its damage

• And how listening deeply to your inner call can lead to unexpected, transformational turns

  This episode is an invitation to rethink the power of energy, science, and the courage to follow evidence—especially when it asks you to change course.

  Dr. Baldwin's Website: Body-Mind-Science