Читать книгу The Creative Arts in Counseling - Samuel Gladding T., Samuel T. Gladding - Страница 20

In the Middle Ages (at least in Europe), magic and superstition replaced the arts in many quarters as the primary way to treat people who were emotionally disturbed. Yet even in these Dark Ages, the traditions and actual works of music, art, and literature were preserved in monasteries and were considered in the Judeo-Christian tradition to be a relevant part of the process of healing. For example, in medieval times, French monasteries used music to soothe the sick (Covington, 2001). Another interesting example of the use of the arts in the service of health was the treatment of the disorder known as tarantism. This disorder arose in southern Italy and was believed to be caused by the bite of a tarantula. Healers thought that the only cure for this disease was music accompanied by the performance of a dance known as the tarantella.

The use of music, dance, painting, and literature as healing forces in African, Native American, and Asian cultures was even more widespread (Fleming, 1994). For example, African music developed into a form with strong, driving rhythms and choral singing that helped bind communities together. In addition, Asian, African, and Native American art in the form of paintings, jewelry, masks, and architecture flourished and helped distinguish cultures and people in these geographic areas. It was during this time period in the Americas that the arts became an integral part of Native American healing (Dufrene & Coleman, 1994). The use of metaphor and healing stories became especially powerful.