Art, Dance, and Music

Art, dance, and music and CAM:

Art, dance, and music all appeal to a person's senses. Each helps a person express him or herself and help distract from the disease or illness:

• Art therapy--can help a person deal with emotional conflicts, become aware of issues, and express unspoken concerns. Art therapy includes painting, sculpting, drawing, and any other form of art.

• Dance therapy--helps improve body image and self-esteem, decrease fears, express anger, decrease body tensions, reduce chronic pain, and more.

• Music therapy--often used in hospitals and other care centers, is an effective relaxant for infants and children. It may also be used with burn victims, cancer patients, cerebral palsy patients, and patients with other brain disorders.