The Role of Expressive Arts Therapy in Integrating Mind-Body Approaches in Medicine

Kakungulu Samuel J.

Faculty of Education, Kampala International University, Uganda

ABSTRACT

Expressive Arts Therapy (EAT) integrates artistic modalities such as music, dance, visual arts, and literature into medical practices to foster holistic healing by bridging the connection between mind and body. Rooted in interdisciplinary frameworks, EAT draws on historical, cultural, and contemporary understandings of art’s therapeutic potential. This paper examines the interconnected roles of EAT and mind-body medicine in addressing emotional and physical health, reviews its clinical applications across medical specialties, and highlights its profound benefits in improving resilience, emotional processing, and physical recovery. The discussion also emphasizes ethical considerations, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based practices in implementing EAT effectively in medical settings, underscoring its transformative impact on patient care and medical paradigms.

Keywords: Expressive Arts Therapy, Mind-Body Medicine, Holistic Healing, Psychosomatic Health, Emotional Resilience.

CITE AS: Kakungulu Samuel J. (2024). The Role of Expressive Arts Therapy in Integrating Mind-Body Approaches in Medicine. IDOSR JOURNAL OF ARTS AND MANAGEMENT 9(3):1-5. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAM/2024/9.3.1500