HEALING THROUGH ART IS AN ANCIENT PRACTICE THAT IS RE-ENTERING MODERN CONSCIOUSNESS
Art has the power to heal and bring comfort to those who are struggling with various challenges in life.
This practice has a long history, with evidence of art being used for healing dating back to ancient civilizations. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the use of art as a form of therapy and it is now being recognized and utilized by modern healthcare professionals.
However, beyond art therapy we are rediscovering other powerful methods for human development and health through the use of art.
Art healing is one of the oldest forms of expression used for mental health treatment
Art has been used as a form of healing for centuries, with evidence dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Egyptians. In these cultures, art was often used in religious ceremonies and was believed to have the power to heal the mind and body.
The Egyptians, for instance, believed in the power of amulets and the Greeks saw art as a way to honor and connect with the gods. They believed that creating and appreciating art was a way to pay homage to the divine, and that this act of devotion could bring healing and blessings.
The healing effects of the music get many mentions in ancient textbooks, as well as throughout history. Our ancestors seemed to connect with the knowledge of why music had a magical restorative power.
Interestingly, the Chinese word for ‘medicine’ - 藥 (Yao) is derived from the character for music - 樂 (Yue), by adding the upper part 草, which refers to ‘herbs’. Being a major part of medicine, the link between music and health welling is clearly illustrated in Chinese language. So music in ancient China was not meant for entertainment alone, but for aligning the body’s energy system with the harmony of sounds and therefore instruments were made for wellbeing.
Aristotele and Plato believed in the healing power of the arts
Even the Greek philosopher Plato, despite his conflictual relationship with the arts (see his dialogue Republic), argues in his dialogue, “Phaedrus” that in poetry a man is “beside himself” and is divinely inspired.
He seems to imply that the artist, and more specifically the poet, is a vessel through which this inspiration is conveyed to the world. The poet or artist is moved by the same divine madness that inspires the lover, and it is this enthusiasmos that allows them to connect with the eternal truths and to produce works of beauty and meaning.
Other ancient Greek philosophers, such as Aristotle, also wrote about the therapeutic benefits of art. Aristotle, in the “The Poetics” argued that art had the power to help people cope with negative emotions and to bring joy and pleasure. He also believed that the discipline and dedication required to create art could spill over into other areas of life and help to improve an individual's character. In his “Rethoric” he observes that “art is a cause of health” (I.1362a17), he speaks of music as a katharsis or purification of the soul
It is clear from his writings that certain fine arts are considered a medicine for the soul and “The purpose of the fine arts is to serve the needs of man, especially those of his soul”[1].
"The purpose of all action is to produce pleasure and avoid pain; and the arts which produce pleasure are the most necessary."
Aristotle, The Politics
In addition to philosophers, ancient Greek artists and patrons of the arts also believed in the healing power of art. They saw the creation and appreciation of art as an important part of a well-rounded and fulfilling life, and believed that it could bring physical and mental benefits.
Overall, the belief that art had the power to heal both physical and mental ailments was a widespread belief in ancient society, held by a variety of people from different walks of life.
Beauty has a mysterious power over us and, which in the greater scheme, we consider today not terribly important; however our ancestors knew that it really matters what sorts of houses or temples, pots, sculptures and art you have around you.
Art has recently experienced a resurgence as a powerful tool for stress reduction, human development and health care
Ink Drawing - 2023. Francesca Ciaudano
As we have seen, the use of art as a form of therapy can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where art was often used for ritual and spiritual purposes. In more recent times, the formal practice of art therapy can be traced back to the 1940s and 1950s. At this time, several pioneering individuals, including Margaret Naumburg and Edith Kramer, began using art as a way to help individuals express and process their emotions.
The first formal training program for art therapists was established in the 1960s at New York University, and the American Art Therapy Association was founded in 1969. Since then, the practice of art therapy has continued to grow and evolve, with art therapy programs now available at universities and art therapy being recognized as a legitimate and effective form of therapy by mental health professionals around the world.
The effectiveness of art therapy has been proven by numerous studies that demonstrate its positive impact on both patients' well-being and recovery from psychological trauma such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The practice of using art as a form of therapy has been shown to have positive effects on mental health and well-being.
Art therapy can be a helpful tool for individuals who may have difficulty expressing their emotions or thoughts through traditional talk therapy. It can also help people who may be unable to verbalize their thoughts or emotions through words.By creating art, individuals can externalize their internal experiences and process their emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
Art therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals, including those with anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. It can also be helpful for individuals who are dealing with physical or cognitive challenges, such as chronic pain or brain injuries.
There are many different types of art therapy. Any type of art can be a useful tool for healing and wellness
Art therapy can be used to help people with a wide range of issues, from depression to grief. It has been found useful in treating stress and anxiety, as well as providing alternatives to medication or other treatments. The ways in which art therapy is used vary widely. Some types include art psychotherapy, community art programs, and the use of art materials in treatment settings such as hospitals or group homes.
There are many types of art therapy: for example, “art education” involves using the arts for recreational purposes; “artist-in-residence” programs offer adults with developmental disabilities opportunities for artistic expression; and “visual literacy” involves learning about how images affect us emotionally or intellectually.
Art therapy is not the only way to use the arts for wellness
While art therapy is a well-known form of treatment that utilizes art as a means of healing, it is not the only way to use art for therapeutic purposes. Anyone can benefit from incorporating art into their lives as a form of self-care and stress-relief. It is important to find an artistic outlet that resonates with you personally, and to make time for creative expression on a regular basis. Whether it be through structured activities like art classes or simply by setting aside time to create at home, the benefits of art as a form of healing are vast and far-reaching.
Conclusion
Art can be a powerful tool for healing the soul. It helps people find peace and harmony within themselves and others through creative expression. By using art as an outlet for their emotions, people are able to express themselves without judgment or criticism. This allows them to heal from past experiences and move on with their lives.
Article Source Reference:
[1] Cavarnos, C. (1978). ART AS A MEANS OF THERAPY ACCORDING TO ARISTOTLE. The Classical Outlook, 56(2), 25–32. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43933985
