EVIDENCIA DURA / HARD EVIDENCE

Tomé en cuenta los estudios que llevaron a cabo las universidades norteamericanas de Ohio, de Texas, en Austin, de Dakota del Norte y Metodista del Sur, comprobando que el ejercicio de la creatividad visual en torno a temas que los individuos y sus comunidades consideran más importantes en sus vidas, descarga emociones positivas que reducen los síntomas de artritis reumatoide, optimizan el sistema inmunológico,- incluyendo el recuento de células T, que neutralizan las células cancerígenas y al virus del SIDA-, incrementan la resistencia a enfermedades como el resfrío o la influenza, reducen los síntomas de stress, bajan la presión sanguínea, equilibran las pulsaciones cardíacas y mejoran la salud en general. /Creative activity causes our brain cells to release neurochemicals including endorphins. These neurochemicals reduce our sensation of pain and cause our immune systems to function better, improving our ability to respond to illness.
Neurochemicals also signal the body to send blood to area affected by the illness or injury. This blood provides both nutrients and immune cells, including T cells, killer cells that kill cancer cells and the AIDS virus.
Right now published reports of creative expression as a healing tool consist mainly of anecdotal evidence (stories about clients), but they have been convincing enough to spark a rapidly growing movement among many medical professionals to include the arts in treatment for illness and injury. Medical researchers have devised and are currently conducting more scientifically rigorous studies of the arts and healing.
The results are beginning to come about the benefits of visual arts and writing as a healing tool. According to studies conducted at Southern Methodist University, Ohio State University, University of Texas at Austin, and North Dakota State University, creating art appreciatively about events people find most important in their lives and the emotions they trigger:
• Reduces symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.
• Boosts immune system functioning including raising T cell counts
• Increases resistance to minor illnesses such as colds and flu
• Decreases symptoms of stress, including lowering blood pressure and heart rate
• Reduces the number of visits to the doctor and days missed from work
• Improves general physical health
As more research is completed, we will have a more precise understanding of exactly how creativity heals. In the meantime, there is no question that giving our mind images creative expression promotes healing of both mind and body.