Art as Therapy: The Secret to Better Health
Art has long been recognised as a powerful tool for promoting psychological well-being and emotional healing. Aesthetic experiences, and their impact on the mind and body, are much more than the sum of individual brain regions or activities (Mastandrea et al., 2019). Complex and sophisticated neural substrates and networks are created to achieve heightened states of connectivity (Magsamen, 2020). The arts have been used as healing tools throughout the ages, from the sacred chanting of Gregorian monks and Native American dance rituals to the present day. Emerging research has demonstrated the significant benefits of art-based interventions in healthcare, with art promoting well-being across several domains, including emotional processing, pleasure, and reward. (Mastandrea et al., 2019)
Exploring the Relationship between Art, Calm, and Transformation.
Art has long been recognised as a powerful tool for promoting psychological well-being and emotional healing. Aesthetic experiences, and their impact on the mind and body, are much more than the sum of individual brain regions or activities (Mastandrea et al., 2019). Complex and sophisticated neural substrates and networks are created to achieve heightened states of connectivity (Magsamen, 2020). The arts have been used as healing tools throughout the ages, from the sacred chanting of Gregorian monks and Native American dance rituals to the present day. Emerging research has demonstrated the significant benefits of art-based interventions in healthcare, with art promoting well-being across several domains, including emotional processing, pleasure, and reward. (Mastandrea et al., 2019)
One of the primary ways in which art can have a therapeutic effect is through its ability to induce a state of calm and relaxation. The aesthetic experience of art has been shown to activate regions of the brain associated with positive emotions, such as the ventral striatum, which is linked to the experience of pleasure and reward. This activation can have a stabilising effect on the individual, reducing distress and normalising physiological indicators like heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. (Bolwerk et al., 2014) The process of creating art, whether through drawing, painting, or other forms of self-expression, can also have a calming and grounding effect, as it engages both the left and right hemispheres of the brain, promoting a sense of focus and mindfulness. (Yan et al., 2021)
But the benefits of art go beyond simply inducing a state of calm. Art can also be a powerful tool for transformation, both on an individual and societal level. The act of creating art can be a form of self-reflection and self-awareness, allowing individuals to explore and express their emotions in a safe and constructive way. This can lead to changes in behavior and thinking patterns, as well as a greater understanding of oneself and one's place in the world.
Moreover, the transformative power of art extends beyond the individual. Art has the potential to bridge cultural divides, foster empathy and understanding, and inspire social change. By engaging with art, individuals can gain a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives and experiences, and be inspired to work towards a more just and equitable society.
Neuro-divergent individuals may particularly benefit from the calming and transformative effects of art. Studies have shown that art-based interventions can have a stabilizing effect on individuals, reducing distress and promoting self-reflection and self-awareness. Furthermore, the process of creating art can be a form of self-expression and communication for those who may struggle with traditional forms of communication.
In conclusion, the relationship between art, calm, and transformation is a complex and multifaceted one. Emerging research has demonstrated the significant benefits of art-based interventions in healthcare, with art promoting well-being across several domains, including emotional processing, pleasure, and reward. The aesthetic experience of art can have a calming and stabilising effect on the individual, while the act of creating art can be a form of self-reflection and self-awareness, leading to changes in behaviour and thinking patterns. Additionally, the transformative power of art extends beyond the individual, with the potential to bridge cultural divides, foster empathy and understanding, and inspire social change.
Bolwerk, A., Mack-Andrick, J., Lang, F. R., Dörfler, A., & Maihöfner, C. (2014). How Art Changes Your Brain: Differential Effects of Visual Art Production and Cognitive Art Evaluation on Functional Brain Connectivity. In PLoS ONE (Vol. 9, Issue 7). Public Library of Science. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0101035
Magsamen, S. (2020). Your Brain on Art: The Case for Neuroaesthetics. In PubMed (Vol. 2019). National Institutes of Health. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32206171
Mastandrea, S., Fagioli, S., & Biasi, V. (2019). Art and Psychological Well-Being: Linking the Brain to the Aesthetic Emotion [Review of Art and Psychological Well-Being: Linking the Brain to the Aesthetic Emotion]. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. Frontiers Media. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00739
Yan, W., Zhang, M., & Liu, Y. (2021). Regulatory effect of drawing on negative emotion: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study. In The Arts in Psychotherapy (Vol. 74, p. 101780). Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2021.101780