Alternative Therapies – How Can Healing Start Through Art?

“Art is the activity by which a person, having experienced an emotion, intentionally transmits it to others”

– Leo Tolstoy

According to the dictionary (Merriam-Webster), “the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects” is what art is all about. It is an expression of human creativity and that’s where its beauty lies. With a unique diversity attached to it, art cannot be contained in a category. If I had to define it, I would say;

Art is creativity, a channel to express yourself.

It can be entertaining and can be visually appealing.

Art is a process of filling the blank canvas.

Or using words to create a masterpiece.

It is an activity that exhibits beauty.

Art is the way of life, so intense yet so wondrous.

Today, ­­when we talk about healing techniques, art is also a form of therapy that works wonderfully. Art healing or art therapy is a term used when art is applied to ensure emotional and physical healing. However, art therapy is between a doctor and a patient whereas art healing an individual process.

We all have art in our souls, if not found easily, know that it is hidden somewhere deep inside you. All you need to do is pull it out and bring it to surface. Art therapy is a fairly new healing process, where only in the last 60 years or so did the health professionals start acknowledging it. It is only then they realized the power of art and music on physical, mental, and emotional well-being of an individual.

Art therapy is based on the idea that creativity can lead to healing and enhance the quality of life. It is basically a form of communication, where it promotes growth, self-expression, emotion atonement, resolution of any conflict, and transformation of the mind.  

ASMR Fantasy – Sound Healing

Have you heard about ASMR sound therapy? it’s very popular thing on Twitch these days and it’s about time adult-oriented companies prepared their version of entertainment dedicated to this technological thing. Watch both visual and sound entertainment dedicated to adults – this is ASMR Fantasy.

Health Issues That Art Therapy Can Heal

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”

– Thomas Merton         

Art therapy is not age restricted. According to a research, this form of therapy can also enhance communication and concentration in an individual and reduce the feeling of loneliness or isolation. It is also known to enhance self-esteem, awareness in oneself, and confidence. It also tackles;

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Substance Dependency
• Stress
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
• Aging and Geriatric Issues
• Family or Relationship Problems
• Cancer
• Cognitive Impairments
• Eating Disorders
•  Compassion Fatigue
• Heart Disease

Since art therapy doesn’t use speech but a form of creativity, it is believed that individuals who are out of touch with their feelings or emotions can truly benefit. Also, for individuals with a painful past, who find it extremely traumatic even thinking about it can really benefit from this therapy. According to a recent research, art therapy is also found useful for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. However, intense trails are being conducted to know the extent to benefits.

What Are Some Of The Techniques Used In Art Therapy?

“Art must be life — it must belong to everybody.”

-Marina Abramović

When you visit an art therapist, he or she will know the power that creativity holds. They make use of psychological, spiritual, and various artistic theories mashed with the clinical techniques to achieve the desired outcome. This wondrous form of therapy has proved beneficial for individuals who use non-verbal form of communication and even for professional artists.

Some of the common techniques used in art therapy include; painting, doodling, scribbling, sculpting, drawing, clay art, pottery, making cards, using textiles, making collages, and so much more.

According to a study conducted in the year 2004, 32 women were involved, who were studying from heart disease. They were all interviewed first and then later asked to illustrate their condition. All the drawing was then put into three categories; heart in the center, heart in a living body, and heart disease as a social condition. The use of colors, the spacing, the composition, and the entire art was then analyzed. This helped healthcare professionals to see what the women were seeing when it comes to their condition. And, this helped them approach the illness in a better manner.

Art helps provide refuge from the inner turmoil we go through every now and then. It helps detangle our emotions and enhance positivity.