"How Art Heals: The Mind / Body Connection

The process of ART, creativity, heals by changing a person's actual physiology and attitude. This is demonstrated by science. During the activity the body's physiology changes from one of stress to one of complete relaxation, from one of fear, for example, to creativity and inspiration ("in spirit"). All artists are ware of that "timelessness" experience that often occurs, there's no awareness of time. Art and music put a person into a different brain wave pattern, affecting the human autonomic nervous system, hormone balance and neurotransmitters. The immune system is enhanced!

Art and music affect every cell in the body instantly to create a healing physiology that changes the immune system and blood flow to all of the organs. Art and music also immediately change a person's perceptions of the world. They change attitude, emotional state and pain perception. They create hope and positivity and they help people cope with difficulties by transforming a person's outlook and way of being in the world.

In fact, it is well known by neurophysiologists that art, music, prayer and spontaneous healing ALL come from the same source in the body, they all are associated with similar brain wave patterns, mind body changes. They are all deeply connected in feeling and meaning. Art, prayer and healing all take us into our inner world, the world of imagery and emotion, of visions and feelings. This journey is deeply healing." ~ Jim Thomas