The Magic of Mandalas: Art and Sound Therapy Research Is Calming New Generations
- Mar 6
- 3 min read
By Sienna Benton
An accessible, low-pressure practice with no competition, no teams, and welcoming for introverts.
Mandala art has an ancient and meaningful history that makes it especially influential in creative therapy today. Mandalas originated thousands of years ago in spiritual traditions across India, Tibet, Nepal, and other parts of Asia, where they were used as visual tools for meditation, healing, and inner balance. In modern medicine, they are making a comeback with research to support what civilizations have known for centuries.
The circular form traditionally represented the universe, as the mandala is an infinite representation of the “flower of life.”The most popular example of the flower of life is in the Temple of Osiris in Abydos Egypt, where it is etched onto granite columns. Similar designs appear in other sacred sites around the world including ancient Chinese temples, Roman mosaics, medieval European churches, and early Islamic architecture. Because this motif emerges across many cultures, it is now regarded as the universal symbol of life.
The science behind Cymatics, proves sound frequency plays a huge role in molecular shaping of early life and mandalas. Dr. John Stuart Reid, co-inventor of the CymaScope, shows a detailed gallery of CymaGlyphs that capture the organic compounds and minerals in water as early life forms. Dr. Reid’s research shows strong evidence that the shape of life is created by sound.
He also discovered in his own study that sound can in fact increase red and white blood cell viability and longevity. He conducted a simple experiment where he exposed one tube of human blood to 20 minutes of sound immersion using sound bath instruments like a crystal singing bowl, harp, and gong, while the other tube of blood was placed in a Faraday cage, where it had practically no exposure to sound. For the blood exposed to sound, the white blood cell count increased 6% while the red blood cell count increased up to 18%.
One study demonstrated that military veterans with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) experienced a significant increase in happiness and mood improvement when coloring mandalas compared to free hand coloring. This suggests that the structured design of the mandala naturally guides the mind into a calmer state. Veterans come from a culture where efficiency and organization are highly practiced, so the mandala shape is able to provide them with a level of structure they find comfort in.
Another study found that both individual and cooperative mandala drawing increased mindfulness, emotional well being, and a sense of connection, with a shared drawing creating even stronger positive feelings. Mandala art combines ancient calming practices with modern therapeutic benefit, helping people regulate emotions and quiets intrusive thoughts. The sacred geometric structure provides an excellent balance of direction and creative freedom.
A third study even found that a single outdoor session combining mindful awareness with mandala coloring significantly reduced both physical pain and psychological stress in adults with musculoskeletal pain. Participants who colored mandalas in a natural setting experienced fewer tender points, lower stress, reduced depressive and anger symptoms, and decreased cortisol, compared to a control group that remained in an urban environment.
Why it’s Low Pressure: There is no time limit on creating a mandala. Even simple small mandalas can be drawn in 60 minutes. This allows for a self paced creative project that can be added onto at any time.
Zero Competition: Mandala’s are an individual activity or a group activity. Perfect for a 1:1 therapy session or group session.
Beginner Friendly: Mandala’s can be created with minimal materials such as a pencil, paper, and a ruler. The ruler creates the geometric where the artist can free hand leaf shapes, circles, pedals, diamonds, and many other shapes within the mandala.
No Team Picking: Drawing mandalas is a collective experience or an individual experience. There is no pressure to feel chosen or left out of a team.
Individual Progress: Mandalas are simple to begin with, and only get better as the artist practices them regularly. They help organize thoughts, color choice, and even more challenging patterns with every attempt.
Introvert Friendly: Mandalas are a very personal experience, so even if an introvert is in a group, they only have to focus on their own mandala, and not feel obligated to share their artwork if they aren’t ready.
Connect With Sienna
IG: @siennaevebenton
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