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Looking at the original works of Art You can get immediate relief in the galleries TensionA new study has found.
Researchers at King’s College London found that viewing art can also have a “positive effect” on a person immune systemnervous system and network of glands responsible for the release hormones,
The findings also show that art not only motivates people emotionally, but can also calm the body.
In a study of 50 people aged 18 to 40, half viewed original artwork by the likes of Van Gogh and Gauguin at the Courtauld Gallery in London, while the other half viewed copies of the same paintings in a non-gallery environment.
Both groups wore sensors that continuously measured their heart rates and skin temperature during the 20-minute session, with saliva samples also taken before and after the viewing.
From these samples, the researchers found that levels of the stress hormone cortisol dropped an average of 22 percent in those who viewed the original art, while those who viewed the reproductions dropped by only 8 percent.
Some cytokines – proteins that act as messengers immune system – Those associated with stress and chronic disease also declined by 30 percent and 28 percent, respectively, among gallery participants, while there was no change among the other group.
Dr Tony Woods said: “Research clearly shows the stress-reducing properties of viewing original art and its ability to simultaneously excite, engage and excite us.
“Tension hormones And inflammatory markers like cortisol, IL-6 and TNF-alpha are linked to a variety of health problems, from heart disease and diabetes to anxiety and depression.
“The fact that viewing native art reduces these markers suggests that cultural experiences can play a real role in protecting both the mind and body.”
The study also found that art involves the immune system, nervous system, and endocrine system, which is responsible for releasing hormones.
Researchers observed signs of euphoria in gallery visitors, including a drop in skin temperature, an overall higher heart rate, and changes in heart beat patterns.
Dr Woods said: “From a scientific perspective, the most exciting result is that art had a positive effect on three different body systems at the same time – the immune, endocrine and autonomic systems. This is a unique finding and something we were really surprised to see.
“In summary, our unique and original study provides strong evidence that viewing art in a gallery is ‘good for you’ and helps advance our understanding of its fundamental benefits. In short, art doesn’t just move us emotionally – it also soothes the body.”
Each person’s emotional intelligence was also assessed using a questionnaire before the study.
However, researchers suggest that this had no effect on individual reactions.
Jenny Waldman, director of the Art Fund, which co-funded the study, said: “This study proves for the first time what we at the Art Fund have felt for a long time – that art really is good for you.
“What’s particularly exciting is that the findings show that these benefits are universal – anyone can experience them.
“We want to encourage everyone to take the time to visit their local museum or gallery and experience these powerful effects.”