Health Benefits of Origami: Let’s Start Folding!
Why do people fold paper into little shapes, we asked St. Luke’s paper art specialist, Al Aki. “For many, it is because it’s fun and the finished art looks nice,” he says. “For everyone, it is a way to relax and it helps let go of tension.”
Care providers and researchers have found that folding paper is beneficial for those with medical conditions. The most obvious benefit of origami is for those who have had surgery or injuries of the hands. Paper folding helps patients regain control over their hand movements and helps build muscle. “The real reward is discovering that exercising our hands through origami is not only beneficial, but it is relaxing and fun,” Al says.