Dance 'or' Movement Therapy- How can you benefit from this natural method of wellbeing... (Introduction to Alternative Therapies- Natural Healing series)

​Dance therapy, or movement therapy, is the use of one’s body movement to help with various issues of health, whether is it is a physical or mental issue. It is practiced in a number of settings such as centers and hospitals. It allows for us to focus solely on connecting the mind and body, which has numerous beneficial effects on our health and recovery. It is a form of expressive therapy that has been found to lower stress levels and raise self-esteem. 

Aside from its mental benefits, dance therapy also helps improve strength in the muscles, mobility, coordination and eases tension in the body. It allows the patients to move around, which is good for the body, and express themselves through dance, which is good for the mind. It is commonly used to treat patients that are dealing with issues of self-esteem or body image. 

Therapists are able to observe their client and help them improve their sense of self through dance. This leads to better skills of communication and opens the door for clients to become more confident in themselves. It is one of the types of therapy that can be performed in a group, which is why they are often available at nursing homes, centers of rehabilitation, educational and day care centers. 

It is no secret that being able to express oneself is a healing step towards overcoming distressing experiences.

Dance therapy is effective in healing because it encourages the combined use of the body, mind and expression in order to let go of underlying pain. It is especially beneficial for those who are not comfortable or confident in communicating vocally.

Various traumas that dance therapy can help us to overcome include posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, eating disorders, anxiety, identity loss and addictions. Many of these traumas leave either the body or mind feeling broken. These experiences tend to be kept in our memory through visuals or feelings, which can be quite difficult to put into words.

Therefore, dance therapy can allow us to express the pain or feelings in another way, allowing for healing to begin. Dance therapy aims to make the client comfortable in their own body and in social circumstances, to overcome memories related to a traumatic experience and to reset their attitude and relationships in life.  The idea is to be able to express yourself in a supported environment, which has a profound effect on body image and ability to trust and have healthy and meaningful relationships. 

​Categories:
Alternative Therapies,   Comfortable Living , Emotional Wellbeing   and   Healing Activities 

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