[A Sip of Books] Ancient Greek Poetry Prescriptions... They Had Scientific Basis

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This book, co-authored by Susan Magsamen, founder of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Ivy Ross, Vice President of Design at Google Hardware Product Development, presents scientific evidence that art is essential for survival. In the scientific community, this is called 'neuroaesthetics' or 'neuroart.' The two authors introduce cases showing how art can fundamentally transform everyday life. For example, an Alzheimer's patient recognized his son for the first time in five years after listening to a playlist of songs he used to enjoy, and in Virginia, emergency responders relieve trauma by drawing, while soldiers suffering from PTSD are prescribed mask-making activities. They argue that the beauty of art can change lives beyond mere aesthetic satisfaction.

Art and aesthetics encompass much more than beauty; they serve as emotional connections to the diverse experiences humans have. “Art can be something more than just sugar on the tongue. When a work of art contains challenging elements, it can make the mind uncomfortable, but that discomfort offers the possibility of change and transformation if one is willing to look closely. It can be a very intense aesthetic experience.”

What researchers have discovered over decades is that from a neurobiological perspective, multiple systems in the body and brain work together when humans interact with the world, and human life is a continuous process of processing incoming data at instinctive, unconscious, and conscious levels.

Going back to ancient Greece, poetry was even prescribed as medicine. The Greeks prescribed poetry alongside other medical interventions. Poetry frequently appears at the most significant commemorative moments, from private celebrations like weddings to political and civic events such as U.S. presidential inaugurations. Poetry has been with humanity since its inception as an art form.

A study examining the effects of expressive writing on the brain revealed that writing about past traumatic events activates the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, a critical area for processing negative emotions, thereby altering neural activity. This means that putting language to emotions and feelings helps contextualize and better understand difficult life events at a neurobiological level.

Other artistic interventions, such as drawing or music classes, have also been proven effective in relieving headaches. A small-scale study concluded that having a personal music playlist helps manage chronic headaches. People who listened to music to relax and reduce pain actually experienced pain relief and symptom improvement.

Art increases synaptic networks, enhancing the task performance abilities of the hippocampus and other brain regions designed for specific functions. This helps not only when playing music but also when performing activities in life that require learning and memory. In short, practicing music increases synapses and gray matter.

When Your Brain Is Struggling, Visit an Art Museum | Written by Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross | Translated by Heo Hyeong-eun | Willbook | 368 pages | 22,000 KRW