Body mapping as a wellness practice for arts teachers

Body mapping as a wellness practice for arts teachers

By Heather J. S. Birch, Blair Pike, Pearlin Chinnadurai

View profile for Dr. Heather BirchBlair Pike

Body mapping is a visual and participatory practice in which individuals create a life-sized representation of their own body.  The process begins with tracing the outline of a person's body on a large surface, such as paper or fabric.  Then the person adds to their body outline various visual elements, including drawings, symbols, and decorations (de Jager et al., 2016).  A reflective narration follows, where the person explains the meaning behind the elements they have added to their body map, elaborating on the significance of their visual representations and articulating deeper insights about their drawings.  Body mapping has been used as a tool for reflection and self-expression in various contexts, often with a focus on discussing and processing difficult emotions, including grief and fear, and addressing health concerns and awareness (de Jager et al., 2016; Gastaldo et al., 2012; Verhost, 2020).

Read or Buy Online

Peer Reviewed Chapter

ISBN/ISSN: 978-1-032-94727-3

Pages: 135-161

Chapter in: Handbook of Mental Wellness Strategies for Educators: Research-Based Best Practices

Published in: 2025

Publisher: Routledge: Taylor & Francis Group