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A Framework for Understanding the Role of Spirituality in Health

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Bibliographic Details
Title: A Framework for Understanding the Role of Spirituality in Health
Authors: Kirti Ranchod
Source: South African Journal of Arts Therapies, Vol 3, Iss 1 (2025)
Publisher Information: University of Johannesburg, 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Subject Terms: N1-9211, visual art, Indigenous knowledge, brain, spirituality, mental health, Visual arts
Description: 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.
Document Type: Article
ISSN: 2960-1614
DOI: 10.36615/xz8am486
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/8632a13c9fcb487bb0ce583437b58287
Rights: CC BY
Accession Number: edsair.doi.dedup.....f3b057b62be5bffc01d572bf2b3bae2c
Database: OpenAIRE
Description
Abstract: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