What Is Art Therapy, Exactly?

Simply put, cancer art is the use of art to promote healing. In this sense, art addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs that come with a cancer diagnosis. Art can be used in an experiential way, such as viewing paintings in a museum or reading about them in a book, or in a creative way, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, beading, or a variety of other creative activities.

The intense emotions that people experience as a result of cancer are frequently difficult to express in words. However, expressing feelings allows your loved ones to understand what you are going through (at least to some extent), allowing them to provide the comfort you require to cope during this difficult time. It may also allow you to express emotions you aren’t even aware of. Some scientists believe that emotions are felt first in images and then in words. As a result, art can be a way to tap into what you are feeling inside before you can express it verbally.

History

In some ways, art therapy has existed for as long as humans have. Art was used to expressing emotions ranging from elation and joy to grief and physical pain long before the written word. During the 1900s, scientists began to recognize that art could aid in the diagnosis and treatment of people suffering from mental and physical illnesses, and the American Art Therapy Association was founded in 1969. This organization educates the public on the use of art therapy in medicine and is in charge of establishing standards for registered art therapists.

How Does Art Help to Heal?

It is unknown exactly how art can aid in healing. It can provide an opportunity for quiet and relaxation in the midst of the stress of cancer treatments—a time to do what you want to do alone. Taking the time to paint can help many people change their attitudes. If you are depressed, you may be more motivated to continue with treatment. If you are anxious, you may feel a sense of calm and peace.

Art’s healing power can help cancer patients.

When you are diagnosed with cancer, you look for things that will make you feel better. For many people, it is family or friends. Others enjoy traveling or listening to music.

Pam Lynch turned to an old friend, her art when she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2016. Pam used to enjoy drawing as a child. It was natural for her. But, for some reason, she put the paintbrush and colored pencils down for nearly 40 years. Her passion was rekindled only after someone recommended an art program at the Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center.

“It was the start of reopening the door to the art I love,” Pam said.

Pam spent her free time reconnecting with her craft while doctors treated her disease. The program, which is part of the Arts and Medicine Initiative at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, encourages patients to express themselves creatively.

Pam Lynch found the artwork to be therapeutic. She documented her cancer journey through a series of paintings that depicted both her adversity and her hope. The artwork is now on display in the cancer center to inspire others.

Pam stated, “It’s been rewarding.” “Putting it down on paper forces me to confront the issues.” You can’t run away from them or hide.”

Anyone who is a patient or a member of their family is welcome to participate in the art program. There are classes on multiple days of the week, and the program is growing.

“This is something so important in my life, and to see how it is assisting others is just beyond words,” said Ashley Jones, the program’s artist in residence.

Contact the Virginia R. Cvetko Patient Education Center for more information on the art program or other cancer support and education initiatives.

Painting alters brain wave patterns, according to scientists who have studied art therapy. It may also have an effect on hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain. Painting has been shown to alter one’s perception of pain, which in turn can alter one’s perspective on the world.blood in art

Cancer Patients Can Benefit From

Art has been shown to improve both physical and emotional well-being. Other advantages for cancer patients may include:

Better Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being

A 2018 systematic review of the effects of art therapy on women with breast cancer discovered significant benefits such as decreased anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

Several other studies have also shown a reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms.

Several studies have found that making art helps to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression that can accompany a cancer diagnosis. Even more noteworthy is the fact that this benefit may last for a long time. One study of art therapy in breast cancer patients discovered that the sessions resulted in significant long-term improvement in depression and anxiety symptoms.