Why do people fold paper into little
animal shapes or flowers? For most, it is because it’s fun and it looks nice. But
for others, it is a way to RELAX; a way to let the day’s tension melt
away. More and more now, care providers and researchers have found that
folding paper can help those with medical conditions.
The most obvious benefit of origami is for those who have had
surgery or injuries of the hands. Origami helps patients regain control
over their hand movements and helps build muscles. Patients find doing
their “hand exercise” through origami is more rewarding than
traditional physical therapy methods.
Some therapists have found that origami helps those with low self
esteem, anxiety, ADHD, autism, mental retardation, and other
psychological conditions. People who have been diagnosed with
depression have found that origami gives them hope.
Interestingly, volunteers have taught origami to prison inmates. The
act of folding paper allows some of the inmates to decrease their level
of anxiety. Some prison inmates fold origami models to give to their
wives or girlfriends. What better way to encourage a healthful mindset.
John Smith has a list of articles relating to the educational & health benefits of origami. Perhaps, the best way to understand the health benefits of
origami is to read the testimonials of those who use origami as a tool
for therapy. See the web sites of Marilyn Abbmackdes and George Ho for extensive information on the health benefits of origami.
The article was taken from: http://www.origami-resource-center.com
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