Healing art is the use of art to improve health, increase recovery rates, lower blood pressure, and balance functions in the body. Studies that have been done with individuals required to spend long periods of time in confined settings—such as hospital patients, prisoners, students, and employees in high-stress work environments—have revealed the types of art that have the most healing effects.

Research has shown that images of nature can accomplish the following: reduce stress and mental fatigue, speed recovery from illness, relieve depression, reduce negative emotions, lower blood pressure, reduce muscular tension and increase brain activity in the alpha range.

The role of art in healthcare settings goes back at least as far as the ancient Egyptians. Apparently aware of the fact that images of nature induce healing, they painted murals of nature, usually with blue ceilings to represent the sky and green floors to represent the earth, in their healing temples. Likewise, the Greeks included beautiful paintings as well as statues of healthy athletes in their healing temples—perhaps to inspire the ailing? In the Americas, the Navajo Indians used art in the form of sand paintings to aid in healing the sick.

The benefit of positive art, usually scenes of nature, has been studied in depth by Roger Ulrich, Ph.D. Studies conducted by him and others indicate that “healing art” images affect the autonomic nervous system, hormonal balance, brain neurotransmitters, the immune system and the blood flow to all organs in the body. Neurophysiologists have further determined that art connects us to the worlds of imagery, emotion, visions and feelings. This connection can be critical in the healing process.

Other medical facilities and healthcare practitioners have tried a variety of innovative approaches to using art for healing. A dentist’s office commissioned an artist to create a mural of the underside of a pond on the ceiling in their treatment room. This lighthearted mural included the bottom half of a duck complete with feet sticking out into the room. The mural served to distract and amuse patients during dental procedures. These projects demonstrate the wonderful role that art and creativity can play in the lives of patients—just when they may need uplifting and inspirational influences the most.

Determining the most healing art for your personal use requires an analysis of your health condition, personality traits and desires for improving your health and life. This class is designed to help you look at these factors and determine the best colors, styles and images to use art for healing.