Creative healing strengthens the mind/body connection to reduce an over-active pain system. Here are some of the creative healing experiences that chyp uses to conquer chronic pain:
Breathing Techniques
Breathing Techniques use our body’s natural breathing response in an intentional way to reduce stress and promote comfort.
Art
Art is a broad term that can refer to creating something that is visual (like drawings, paintings, etc.), auditory (like musical songs, instrumentals, etc.), written (like poems, stories, etc.), a performance (like dance, theater, etc.), interactive (like gardening, cooking, etc.), and more – art is anything that uses imagination to express ideas.
Cooking
Cooking is an artistic expression through food, with the purpose of the creation being consumed.
Writing
Writing stimulates exploration of thoughts through words, ultimately increasing self-awareness and introspection.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness can be used to reduce reactivity and judgement through self-awareness.
Music
Listening to, singing to, moving to, or creating music is a positive form of distraction, self-expression, and helps to reduce stress.
Yoga
Yoga uses exercise and breathing techniques to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle through restorative body postures.
Dance
Dance uses movement as a language for self-expression, incorporating the body, mind, and emotions in a pleasurable way.
Photography
Photography captures images that represent meaning in a way that can be shared.
Animal-Assisted Support
Animal-Assisted Support can come in different forms and species, but bonding with an animal that brings comfort can help with feelings of safety.
Crafting
Crafting is producing something by hand (like knitting, scrapbooking, etc.).
Massage
Massage manipulates the body through touch in order to decrease tension.
Cartooning
Cartooning combines the visual arts (like drawing, painting, etc.) and writing (like stories, commentaries, etc.) to tell a deliberate narrative.
Filmmaking
Filmmaking is the creation of films or videos for story-telling purposes.
Meditation
Meditation can be used to change a state of consciousness to promote emotional well-being through relaxation.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture restores natural energy pathways by stimulating specific points of the body using small needles.
Guided Imagery
Guided Imagery prompts mental images and encourages a full experience of sensory feelings involved with the imagined experience.
Performance Arts
Performance Arts presents self-expression through a live demonstration.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to send messages to the brain through the nervous system that can alter your emotions.
Gardening
Gardening utilizes self-expression through plants, while being exposed to a natural and growing environment.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy uses guided hypnosis to relax and focus on pleasurable experiences.
Craniosacral Techniques
Craniosacral Techniques use gentle touch to put pressure to specific parts of the body in the form of a massage.
Theater
Theater explores stories and problems through drama, allowing experimentation through interaction and performance.
Journaling
Poetry is an expression of ideas through words in specific arrangement to evoke emotions and thought.
Pet Training
Pet Training strengthens the human-animal bond, which can increase feelings of support and reduce stress.
Relaxation Strategies
Relaxation Strategies (like breathing exercises, mindfulness, etc.) relieve stress and promote calmness.
Exercise Programs
Exercise programs help improve physical activity in a safe manner.
Makeup
Make-up is a form of artistic expression on the face or body.
Animation
Animation is the process of directing pictures to have the impression of movement, which uses imagination and skill.
Acupressure
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture without the needles, as it uses pressure to stimulate specific points of the body.
Nail Art
Nail art is the process of adding detailed art to manicures or pedicures.
Volunteering
Volunteering provides a selfless service at no-charge.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback observes physiological activity through sensors and devices that can help to understand the body’s reaction to triggers.
Movement Programs
Movement Programs can help promote activity and condition positive movement patterns.