Life’s many experiences can produce unsavory effects on the body.  Some ailments, like muscular and joint pain, intestinal disorders, and headaches, may be quickly curtailed by following a strict diet and taking vitamins, minerals, and herbs.  Others ailments, however, such as carpal tunnel and pinched nerves, have been known to vanish once one regularly practices the art of Belly Dancing.

How it is possible that something as pleasurable as belly dancing could provide us with such a healing touch?  Here are a few possibilities of how Belly Dancing restores the mind, body, and spirit:

• By focusing on specific moves in relation to the music, we forget about our everyday life stresses.  Thus, our mind takes a mini-vacation while we dance.

• By becoming an expression of the music, we absorb the natural healing qualities of sound.

• By creating new neurological connections to perform particular moves, like a hand undulation, we strengthen our brain and its ability to communicate with the body.

• By exercising regularly, our body is more conditioned and the immune system is stimulated.  The health benefits increase when our practices include twenty minutes of fast-faced movements.

• By working areas we normally hold tension, such as the shoulders, lower back, and hips, we are releasing the tensions of the day.  By performing snake arms, shoulder slides, hip slides, and other applicable moves, the previously tensed-up areas are more able to function as originally designed.

• By dancing with our arms, our different energy centers (also known as chakras) are attuned.  Similar to Tai Chi, Belly Dance offers a balancing benefit to the body’s overall energy system.  Circling arm movements pull energy into our body while linear arm movements sweep excesses out of the overflowing areas.   By balancing the uneven energy flows, the body is more able to replenish itself.

• By practicing an ancient art, we tune into and learn about other cultures.  Our increased knowledge enables us to be more accepting of the diverse belief systems and ways of life.  By being more accepting of others,’ potential conflicts are minimized or even eliminated.

• By dancing with others, our spirit is replenished.  We develop a sense of belonging to a supportive community.  In turn, we become a support system for others.

• By dancing with other women, we become more accepting of other women and  enjoy who they are.  In turn, we relax and enjoy who we are as well.  What had been previously held as threatening – feminity -- has now become a true blessing.

Be aware of the great blessings in your life and how Belly Dancing has assisted in the creation and/or developments of these blessings.  And by all means, share them with your fellow dancers.  If you like, share them with me as well.

Blessings,
Nadiyah

(*This article is not intended to provide medical advice in any way.  Additionally, this article does not include equate Zar techniques with general Belly Dance movements.  If you are encountering physical or mental  distress, please seek the advice of your physician or mental health professional.)