The Alchemy of Words: How Poetry Heals the Mind and Soul
Muhammad Sohail Abbas
Creative Therapeutic June 13, 2025 DOI: 10.54963/ct.v1i1.1328 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that poetry functions as a therapeutic tool that can heal emotional distress and promote psychological well-being by engaging emotional processing and neural pathways, and advocates incorporating poetry into therapeutic practice, citing contemporary developments such as AI-driven poetry therapy, EEG studies of poetic trance states, and community poetry pharmacies. |
Abstract
Poetry is not only an attractive and illusional bunch of words, it is an effective power that can heal broken hearts, sooth despairing souls, bring smile on a gloomy face and ignite flame of emotion that can lead to conversion of one’s dream into practical reality. This article explores the transformative power of poetry as a form of healing, blending ancient wisdom with modern scientific insights. Rooted in historical traditions, poetry has long been recognized as a therapeutic tool, capable of mending the heart and soul. Through a deep dive into both the science of poetry and its emotional alchemy, the article highlights how poetry rewires the brain, stimulates emotional processing, and fosters healing. By examining poetic techniques such as metaphor, rhythm, and imagery, we reveal how poetry creates emotional resonance and activates neural pathways that promote psychological well-being. Additionally, the article explores contemporary developments in poetic medicine, such as AI-driven poetry therapy, EEG studies on poetic trance states, and the rise of global movements like poetry pharmacies and community healing workshops. As a result, this article advocates for the continued integration of poetry into therapeutic practices, showing its potential to transform lives and enhance mental health in both individual and collective settings.