Researchers have found out that art has powerful healing properties. According to a study published in the ‘Art Therapy’ journal, it is seen that most people experience low levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, during a 45-minute art session. To take part in art therapy, people don’t need to be good at art. They can express themselves in any art form.
Art has healing properties as it forms a connection between your body and mind. We know that exercise works your body and meditation has a positive effect on your mind. Art accomplishes both these tasks and thus promotes healing.
Art helps people in navigating disease. When you stay engaged with various forms of art, your mind stays preoccupied with the creative work you are doing, and you won’t feel the pain of any illness you may have.
Art therapists use colors and symbols to express inner thoughts. So, if a person is suffering from a chronic or any severe disease, the person will understand and cope with the journey he or she is going through.
Body mapping is commonly used for healing patients suffering from pain. They can express their feelings using color or shapes. Art therapy is very effective with cancer patients. The cancer treatment is very complex and painful. It’s also a tremendously emotional journey to deal with it.
Art has the power to make these patients think about the positive side of their life and feel good about themselves every day. This also helps in the treatment of these patients as they will feel less pain physically and emotionally going through the painful treatment process.
People with no creativity or artistic ability can also get benefits from art therapy. They should start with something very simple like making a bird with origami or coloring paper. It is not necessary to stick to only paper and color. People can use other forms of art like music, quilting fabric, and even cardboard. This will help them in self-exploration.