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July 2007

How Art Heals

Scientific studies show us that art heals a person by changing his or her physiology and attitude. The body’s physiology changes from one of stress and fear to one of deep relations, creativity and inspiriation. Art influences a person's brain wave patterns and affects a person’s autonomic nervous system, hormonal balance and brain neurotransmitter.

Art instantly affects every cell in the body, creating a healing physiology that changes the immune system and blood flow to all organs. It also immediately changes a person’s perception, attitude, emotional state and pain perception. Art creates hope and positive moods while helping people cope with difficulties by transforming a person’s outlook and way of life in the world.

In fact, it is now known by neurophysiologists that art, prayer and healing all come from the same source in the body. All three are all associated with similar brain wave pattern, mind and body changes, and they all are deeply connected in feeling and meaning. Art, prayer and healing take us into our inner world- the world of imagery, emotion, visions and feelings. This journey into the spirit or soul is deeply healing.

The History of Art and Healing
The healing power of art and music has been known throughout history. In fact, the first type of healing was done through music and dance in hunter-gatherer cultures, freeing what the Kalahari Bushman called “boiling energy”. In a very real way, the first artist and the first healer were one figure in society,
one person.

Furthermore, in traditional cultures it was believed that art healed the world, not just the individual. It was believed that art and music changed the hunt, fertility, crops, weather and life of the tribe and earth. Today, many healing artists continue to believe and reflect these ideas.

There is an exciting new movement being born today in healing and art. Doctors, nurses and therapists are now working with artists and musicians to heal people of all ages with various conditions, including cancer and AIDS. Healers have found that art and music, combined with traditional medicine, are powerful healing tools.

Color Therapy – The Power of Color
The color of the sky and many other things influence our mood and behavior. Our response to color is an innate part of our biological system. Therapists believe that color has an effect on each of us, and they use this approach to restore cells to an even level of balance as well as to stimulate the healing processes. Because color can have both a positive and negative effect, specific colors and accurate amounts of color are critical for healing to occur. Color therapy is based on the fact that physiologic functions respond to specific colors.

The following colors are chosen by color therapists:

  • Black: self-confidence, power and strength
  • Blue: calming, lowers blood pressure and decreases respiration
  • Green: soothing, relaxing, mentally as well as physically, helps those suffering from depression, anxiety or nervousness
  • Violet: suppresses appetite, provides a peaceful environment and good for migraines
  • Pink: used in diet therapy as an appetite suppressant, relaxes muscles, soothing and relieves tension
  • Yellow: energizes, relieves depression, improves memory and stimulates appetite
  • Orange: energizes, stimulates appetite and digestive system

Art heals by adding windows to the imagination. It rekindles memories, inspires positive thinking and provides a needed respite from everyday life.
In addition to the healing properties of art and color, studies have shown that elderly people enjoy wall art that features outdoor scenes and scenes that feature people, especially those enjoying life. Briggs newest online feature provides a fun and easy way to customize artwork that reflects the unique aspects of your agency and community. Click here for more information.




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