The Therapeutic Power of “Neuro Arts” Creative Expression for Health and Healing
In my previous article, (HERE) I delved into the captivating world of Neurographic Art as an intriguing method of calming and balancing the mind through and art form that has minimal instructions and restrictions. Neurographic Art opens the gateway to the unconscious mind, allowing it to surface and express itself freely. Now, let’s broaden the scope and open it up to exploring the profound impact that The Arts and creative expression in general have on our body, mind, brain, and emotions (and I would say, soul as well).
Throughout history and across cultures, the profound connection between humanity and art has remained undeniable—a truth reaffirmed by modern research. Enter the burgeoning field of Neuro Arts. This field is much broader, and encompasses all forms of creative expression. Pioneers of Neuro Arts, Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, have been collaborating and studying the fascinating effects of various art forms on the brain. Their book, “Your Brain on Art,” sheds light on how artistic expression serves as a powerful catalyst for emotional, psychological, physical, and cognitive healing.
Many benefits stem from the non-verbal nature of art creation, where language, if used (as in poetry), often takes on a metaphoric or symbolic role. Engaging in various art forms (such as painting, sculpting, acting, singing, etc.) allows us to transcend intellect, creating or observing art in a dimension beyond the mundane. Most of us have experienced the phenomenon of “flow,” where we become deeply absorbed in an activity. In this state, time, place, and other orientations may distort or fade from conscious awareness, akin to improvising a jazz riff.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, in his renowned book “Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience,” outlines the elements required to achieve this heightened state of being. Each element, when balanced by the artist, allows the individual to attain the elusive state of Flow, which has neurological benefits and correlates as well as physiologic, emotional and more..
When absorbed in a flow state, whether through Neuro Arts or other activities, individuals can experience an array of neurological, physiological, hormonal, and emotional benefits:
Neurological Benefits:
- Increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, linked to attention, planning, and decision-making.
- Enhanced connectivity between brain regions, facilitating efficient information processing.
- Activation of reward pathways, releasing dopamine and inducing feelings of pleasure.
- Reduced activity in the default mode network, leading to decreased self-referential thoughts.
Physiological Benefits:
- Decreased cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
- Lowered heart rate and blood pressure, indicating physiological calmness.
- Improved immune function, as stress reduction supports a healthy immune response.
Hormonal Benefits:
- Increased endorphin release, fostering feelings of euphoria and well-being.
- Elevated oxytocin levels, promoting social bonding and trust.
- Regulation of mood-associated hormone levels, enhancing emotional resilience.
Emotional Benefits:
- Heightened happiness and satisfaction derived from intrinsic enjoyment.
- Enhanced self-esteem and confidence from mastery and accomplishment.
- Improved emotional regulation and resilience in the face of challenges.
- Increased feelings of connection and belongingness, especially in collaborative experiences.
Engaging in short artistic activities (around 10-20 minutes daily) can result in enhanced functioning and overall well-being across various aspects of life. They may be as simple and inexpensive as doodling, sketching, writing poetry, moving naturally to a favorite song or piece of music, Neurographic Art (HERE is my last blog), improvised drumming or percussing on household objects, doing a guided imagery (see my Beach and Forest audios HERE), etc. The Neuro Arts offer a gateway to a world of enhanced creativity, resilience, and joy—a journey well worth embarking on.
We love hearing from you, please feel free to leave your comments below.
With Gratitude,
Rus Devorah
