Healing attributes of mixed media art lessons

Kiki_art

Kiki created this lovely mixed media painting using drawing, collage, tea leaves, texture and acrylic paint.

Mixed Media Art Lessons have curing attributes. A lot of people question the objective of art. They acknowledge an aesthetic approach but ignore any probable positive advantages of a more practical nature. Contrary to popular belief, art is not purely visual. It isn't a product with no possible effects outside of the obvious - an artistic product. Art is not of less use than science in preparing individuals to the real world. Actually, the contrary holds true. Art is really important in helping the brain reach its total potential.

How can art accomplish this? It introduces the mind to different intellectual skills that help us unravel complex problems. Art triggers the creative section of our brain - the section which works without words and can only express itself non-verbally. Art, in thought as well as through the imaginative processes, activates the imaginative and creative side, the spatial and instinctive side of our mind. Art jumps over the whole process of linear and logical thinking. It teaches the brain to move into thinking in a different way, of exploring old problems in new ways.

Why might the arts give such advantages? Artistic processes restore a sense of identity and agency. It reminds people they are a great deal more than just an illness process or a diagnosis. A number of scientists believe such feelings of control and mastery induce a rise in the production of disease-fighting cells. A 2004 study found that HIV-positive patients who engaged in painting exercises created specifically to help them process traumatic events, had higher levels of a specific group of white blood cells called CD4 lymphocytes.

Other research shows different mechanisms by which art could improve health. Individuals who were happy with their art work had lower amounts of cortisol, a hormone which is a marker for stress. Quite simply, artistic engagement doesn’t just make people feel better in the moment—it could safeguard their well-being by boosting their natural defenses. The artwork distracts the sufferers, forcing them to consider something else other than the pain they may be experiencing within therapy. And with all the illnesses going around all over the world today, we have to surround ourselves with beauty.

Mixed Media Art could truly cure. For folks coping with psychosis and those who haven't encountered psychosis, there can be a large gap in understanding. In a broad sense, art can be an efficient tool where those people who are not familiar with the landscape of psychosis could be provided a look into a complex and often beguiling medical problem. On a more personal level, for persons taking care of someone who is coping with psychosis art can be a good way to gain comprehension of the person's subjective experience. In this medical condition, where the reality felt by someone in the middle of psychosis can be very different from the truth felt by others, art can be used as a means to connect the distance between these experiences.

A day of healing with SingularCity in San Gabriel Valley

Amber Chen, from Taiwan, was our SingularCity tour guide on this exciting and fun adventure that began with a tea tasting at Tea Station where we learned how tea is an essential part of Chinese culture as we sipped our choice of this soothing and refreshing beverage. 

I arrived at 1 p.m. at the Tea Station in San Gabriel Valley, home of one of the largest Chinese population in America. We were introduced to the the tradition of the tea ceremony.  They should have told me that the green tea had caffeine, since I have a sensitive stomach.  So an hour later, I detoxed.  Thank God for Amber's guidance to a nearby restaurant.  Too bad that one rude customer asked me if I was taking a bath.  Some people have no concept of why i was stuck in the bathroom a little bit longer.

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Then we went to Shinsen Ginseng & Herbs, a traditional Chinese herb pharmacy to learn how practitioners have used herbs like ginseng for centuries to effectively treat and cure ailments. 

We met with Dr. Wang Yung, Chinese herbalist, and with the guidance of Pamela Wu, who was my interpreter for my healing session.  He recommended tree roots and natural elements to create a healthy drink to help balance my hormones.  

Our next stop was LH Foot Care for an authentic reflexology session that consists of a head-to-toe massage and acupressure treatment. Sitting in comfortable recliners, we enjoyed a one-hour treatment aimed at aligning our energy and relieving the stress of our busy singular lifestyle.   We received a massage from head to toe for $15/hr.  I agree with Kim at SingularCity, next time I will be back for a three hour massage.

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With our appetite peaked, we sat down together for an authentic, multiple course Shanghai-style dinner at Mei-Long Village where we enjoyed their famous Soup Dumplings, an all-time favorite dimsum steamed in bamboo baskets; the Lion Head in Brown Sauce which combines savory stewed pork and cabbage; and other Chinese dishes such as Dry Sauteed String Bean and Bean Curd in Hot Garlic Sauce.  It was all so delicious, and my favorite dish was the tofu, which was fried and soft inside.  I loved having an array of dishes to taste from since there were fourteen of us sharing a great meal.

At the end of the day I felt great and loved the people I connected with from SingularCity.  Amber did a great job in organizing the event, and I hear she is majoring in Public Relations at USC.  This was her internship project. 

So I had some tea, detoxed, met with an herbalist and then a great dinner with SingularCity members.

 
Next I need an adventure....