هنر درمانی در سرطان – زیبایی با اهمیت و مزیت Art therapies in cancer – A non-negligible beauty and benefit

1. History of art therapies The initiation of the use of art therapies in the treatment of diseases dates back to the time of ibn Sina, who lived in the 1000s, pioneered the development of medicine, believed in (and used) the therapeutical power of music. In the Ottoman period, music has been used as palliative care and a treatment method for the psychological healing of patients with various medical conditions, and its significant benefits have been observed on patients.5 However, more recently Adrian Hill, a British artist and writer in medicine, defined art as “the enemy of diseases” in 1942.10Once Hill began to carry out studies on the therapeutic aspects of art, he observed that the artistic practices improved the psychological states of patients and reduced their stress. He administered art therapy to tuberculosis patients for the first time in 1945. With that study, the building stone of art therapy was introduced. According to Hill’s approach, art therapy is intended to help treat psychiatric patients, mentally and physically disabled patients, cancer patients, and individuals suffering from physical discomfort. 2. Art therapies intended for cancer patients The intended uses of art therapies in cancer treatment processes include the psychological improvement of patients and their relatives, and te improvement of their quality of life.15When we look at the historical process of art therapy, we see that different medias are used, and that different techniques have been developed in accordance with each of these techniques.16 Art therapy methods positively influence the midbrain, limbic system and the cortex, which are different parts of the brain.2 Threedimensional sculptures, ceramics and installations works appear to contribute to the development of motor activities and movements.2 Using materials with different tissues and in different colors, sizes and forms for such works as much as possible increases the efficacy.7 These kinds of artistic activities performed with threedimensional perception can help both support physical healing and contribute to psychological healing.4 Artistic activities involving the use of different three-dimensional materials provide healing by stimulating different feelings; and on the other hand, play an active role in increasing the awareness that is very important for cancer patients.20Research studies show that the awareness-based therapy method supports healing in the treatment process of cancer patients, by targeting stress and other psychological disorders.12 Art therapies involving various techniques help cancer patients deal with problems that they commonly encounter, such as negative feelings and thoughts, stress disorders, chronic hyperactivity, problematic behavioral pattern, attention deficit and memory deficit.