Dance your way to a Healthier Life Benefits of Dance Therapy | Blog

Dance your way to a Healthier Life: Benefits of Dance Therapy

June 12 2021 TalktoAngel 0 comments 2542 Views

Dance has been termed as a form of expression, a form of physical activity that bridges the mind, body, and soul together. Rightly so, it leads to nonverbal communication all the while producing active energy flow. It is an exercise of joy that opens new routes of thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

You must have heard of art therapy, most people interchange the terms art therapy and dance therapy. While dance is a form of art, dance movement is a different and established therapeutic service that has various benefits. It is different from art therapy in the sense that it involves expressive movement and music.

What are the benefits of Dance/Movement Therapy?

Physical benefits:

Any form of physical activity boosts endorphins in the brain which promotes feelings of elation and wellbeing. Results of dance therapy also lead to the development in gross motor skills which can be beneficial for children and adults alike. Since dance includes total body engagement, it provides for enhanced functioning of various systems of the body like respiration, blood circulation, etc.

Emotional Expression:

Movement therapy is a great way to channel one's emotions. Emotions, thoughts, and feelings which are difficult to communicate in verbal communication often find their way through creative expression such as dance movement.

Improved Self-Esteem:

It provides for a positive and growth-inducing environment. After dance therapy sessions, people usually feel elated and achieve a sense of accomplishment. This has been associated with improved self-esteem.

Boosts Confidence:

Dance therapy involves active participation. This is why in various studies it has been linked to a boost in confidence.

Relieves Stress:

Any form of physical activity is considered good for stress relief. Rhythmic body movement which happens in dance therapy promotes energy exchange and impacts the thoughts and feelings of individuals positively. It also takes off our minds from all the stressful events, giving our brain and body to relax.

Improves Cognition:

Dance movement therapy fosters cognitive development and is particularly beneficial for children and older adults. It is known to impact a person's intelligence, creativity, and memory and inhibits brain aging by promoting neuroplasticity.

Positive Body Image:

Experts believe that dance promotes physical self-competence among individuals. A sense of self competence which is related to body image, promotes both physical and mental well-being. Involvement in dance movement therapy has a positive impact on one's perception of their body thereby promoting positive body image.

Dance movement therapy and disorder:

Dance movement therapy (DMT) is a form of expressive therapy that involves the use of movement and dance to support intellectual, emotional, and motor functions of the body. While it's not a cure for specific disorders, it can be a beneficial therapeutic approach for various conditions. Here are some disorders and conditions that dance movement therapy may help with:

Mental Health Disorders: DMT can be beneficial for individuals with depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), schizophrenia, and other mood disorders. It can help in improving mood, reducing anxiety, and enhancing self-expression.
Trauma and PTSD: DMT can aid in processing traumatic experiences, reducing hyperarousal symptoms, and promoting emotional regulation and resilience.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): DMT can be used as a tool for enhancing social skills, communication, and emotional expression in individuals with ASD.
Developmental Disorders: For individuals with developmental disorders such as Down syndrome or cerebral palsy, DMT can help improve motor coordination, balance, and overall physical well-being.
Eating Disorders: DMT can support individuals with eating disorders by fostering body awareness, promoting self-acceptance, and providing a non-verbal means of expression.
Substance Abuse Disorders: DMT can be integrated into substance abuse treatment programs to aid in emotional expression, stress reduction, and building healthier coping mechanisms.
Chronic Pain and Physical Disabilities: DMT can assist individuals in managing chronic pain conditions and physical disabilities by promoting body awareness, relaxation, and enhancing physical mobility.
Geriatric Care: DMT can benefit older adults by promoting physical activity, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation, thereby improving overall quality of life and reducing feelings of isolation.

It's important to note that while dance movement therapy can be a valuable adjunctive treatment for these conditions, it's typically used in conjunction with other forms of therapy and medical interventions as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for specific individuals and conditions.

Dance Movement Therapy is a way of achieving a mind-body rhythm. It promotes physical fitness and mental fitness in one package. The impact is not only limited to the above benefits but extends to increased feelings of self-satisfaction, compassion, kindness, and inner peace.

At TalktoAngel, while we strive to spread awareness about mental health wellness and provide online counselling for mental health, we simultaneously encourage people to adopt innovative methods and therapies to boost self wellbeing.