The Mind and Body benefits of creating and viewing artwork

I used Art therapy to help treat CRPS but I have also viewed artwork by other artists and have discovered the same benefits viewing them as making them. So what are the benefits of viewing original and reproduction artwork? The greatest benefit is neuroplasticity- this is change that occur in your brain to activate certain areas. Your autonomic nervous system and hormones are also affected. Neurotransmitters or chemicals like serotonin or GABA (the happy ones) are increased as is the blood flow seen on fMRI scans of the brain. There is increased empathy for others, thus a increase in social activity. It has the ability to reduce stress our bodies warning of danger. Stress is good in some instances but repeated cognitive warnings are not good, art allows us to focus on something else and avoid anxiety and depression. There are also benefits to the physical body, the most interesting one I noted was that that CD4 counts improved in HIV patients when they were exposed to art (Huffpost) that is your immunity is improved. Ill health and disease some feel is a unbalance between you and your environment, not only caused by pathogens. So what can you do to get these heath benefits? Put artwork in hospitals so those that are chronically ill and most in need of help are, support public art initiatives, add art to a blank wall in your office or home. Art has been seen to increase work productivity, give you a moment to pause and acts as a window to nature. You will definitely benefit from your investments! Art may just be the universal language to create peace, health and happiness in this world.