A Framework for Understanding the Role of Spirituality in Health

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Názov: A Framework for Understanding the Role of Spirituality in Health
Autori: Kirti Ranchod
Zdroj: South African Journal of Arts Therapies, Vol 3, Iss 1 (2025)
Informácie o vydavateľovi: University of Johannesburg, 2025.
Rok vydania: 2025
Predmety: N1-9211, visual art, Indigenous knowledge, brain, spirituality, mental health, Visual arts
Popis: In the context of the current mental health crisis, integrating spirituality into healthcare presents both opportunities and challenges for improving health and advancing health equity. While mainstream biomedical systems often exclude Indigenous knowledge and spiritual practices, these cultural traditions provide significant, often underappreciated, benefits for health. The role of visual art, as part of spiritual practices, offers a compelling example of how sacred forms can be utilized in health interventions. Research shows that creating and viewing visual art activates brain networks associated with emotional regulation and self-awareness, suggesting potential benefits for people coping with various health conditions. However, challenges arise when attempting to integrate spirituality into biomedical healthcare systems. The tension between subjective, spiritual experiences and the objective, evidence-based demands of public health requires careful, respectful approaches to avoid harm and ensure beneficial outcomes. Dialogical approaches that respect plural definitions of health and foster inclusive, collaborative discussions are essential for creating a holistic, accessible healthcare system that embraces diverse spiritual practices.
Druh dokumentu: Article
ISSN: 2960-1614
DOI: 10.36615/xz8am486
Prístupová URL adresa: https://doaj.org/article/8632a13c9fcb487bb0ce583437b58287
Rights: CC BY
Prístupové číslo: edsair.doi.dedup.....f3b057b62be5bffc01d572bf2b3bae2c
Databáza: OpenAIRE
Popis
Abstrakt:In the context of the current mental health crisis, integrating spirituality into healthcare presents both opportunities and challenges for improving health and advancing health equity. While mainstream biomedical systems often exclude Indigenous knowledge and spiritual practices, these cultural traditions provide significant, often underappreciated, benefits for health. The role of visual art, as part of spiritual practices, offers a compelling example of how sacred forms can be utilized in health interventions. Research shows that creating and viewing visual art activates brain networks associated with emotional regulation and self-awareness, suggesting potential benefits for people coping with various health conditions. However, challenges arise when attempting to integrate spirituality into biomedical healthcare systems. The tension between subjective, spiritual experiences and the objective, evidence-based demands of public health requires careful, respectful approaches to avoid harm and ensure beneficial outcomes. Dialogical approaches that respect plural definitions of health and foster inclusive, collaborative discussions are essential for creating a holistic, accessible healthcare system that embraces diverse spiritual practices.
ISSN:29601614
DOI:10.36615/xz8am486