Welcome to Origami

Origami As Therapy

Many people have taken up origami as a fun hobby, but it can also be use as therapy. Both physical therapy and mental therapy patients can benefit from this ancient art. It benefits physical therapy patients by exercising the hands and benefits the mental therapy patients because it relaxes the mind.

Origami is inexpensive and convenient. It can be done any time and anywhere, indoors or outside, and no special equipment is needed. The only thing one needs is paper and it can be regular paper that is found anywhere. Copy paper, gift wrapping paper, calendar paper and newspaper work just fine. Of course if you want to get fancy, you can use specialized origami paper that costs a little more, but it isn't necessary.

Origami is a good hobby for mental and emotional patients as it is not threatening or restrictive and offers tactile sensations with colorful paper in various shapes and textures. No tools or scissors are needed which make it safe to use around those who are aggressive or unpredictable. It is easy to learn how to make simple shapes so it is not frustrating and leaves one with a sense of accomplishment. Not only that, but it is inexpensive and a great way to recycle paper.

Origami gives patients the freedom of choices. One can choose the color and design of the paper, can select the object to create, and can choose to work alone or with a group. There is the opportunity to feel supported when working one on one with a therapist in learning how to make a design. Origami promotes other types of desirable social behaviors as well including social interaction, non verbal and verbal communication, goal setting, creativity, problem solving and patience. At the same time, the patient can have fun and experience relaxation.

Origami also assists the therapist in assessing the patients as they engage in the art. For example, the therapist can determine levels of concentration, degree of hand eye coordination, and ability to cooperate and communicate with others. With this, the therapist can determine the level of social interaction the patient is operating at. Therapists can also use origami as a relaxation tool for the purpose of bridging into a therapy session.

Origami has a place in physical therapy as well. It can be used to rehabilitate fine motor skills in the hands and improve eye hand coordination. It can also teach the hands to work well together.

Origami has been a fun hobby for centuries and has recently found its way into use as a therapy tool for both physical and mental therapy. Anyone of any age can benefit from this amazing hobby that can be undertaken with minimal expense.

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Keynotes for August 14 - Hudson Sun

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