We often forget the power our bodies hold in shaping how we feel and think. Dancing, a practice many of us leave behind as we grow older, could hold the key to unlocking emotional healing and even improving brain health. Yet, dance/movement therapy (DMT) is still not as widely recognized within mental health treatment. But why is that? As research continues to show, dance is far more than just an artistic expression—it’s a powerful tool for mental and physical well-being.
The Power of Movement for the Mind and Body
Over the years, I’ve shifted my focus as a professor of psychology at Bishop’s University to incorporate bodywork into my research and teaching. This shift began after spending years studying the brain and mental health, only to realize the body plays a central role in how we feel and function. For me personally, activities like walking, yoga, and, importantly, dancing, have been my go-to methods for dealing with mental health struggles. So why isn’t dance/movement therapy more common in treating emotional and cognitive disorders?
What Is Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT)?
Dance/movement therapy isn’t just about moving to music—it’s a therapeutic practice that uses dance and movement to promote emotional and physical well-being. DMT is unique because it uses the body, not just words, to engage clients. This therapy takes advantage of non-verbal communication and creativity, encouraging participants to use their bodies to express emotions, gain insight, and improve their mental state. Therapists may dance alongside their clients or simply observe, creating a space where movement and body awareness are key to healing.
A Proven Remedy for Depression
Many of us turn to music and dance to lift our spirits, seeking joy and relaxation. This instinct isn’t just a fleeting one—there’s science behind it. Dance therapy, like somatic psychotherapies, focuses on how our body movements influence our emotions. Different dance styles and movement patterns can evoke feelings, whether they be joy, sadness, or anger. Research backs up this connection, showing that dance/movement therapy can significantly help in managing depression. A systematic review of studies found that it was particularly effective in treating adults with depression, underscoring dance’s potential to improve emotional regulation and mood.
Enhancing Cognitive Function in Parkinson’s Disease
Dance is a physical activity that challenges both the body and the brain. When combined with music, it can improve coordination, balance, and strength, but also memory, attention, and spatial awareness. Studies comparing long-term dance programs to traditional fitness regimens found improvements in cognitive function, particularly in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. In Parkinson’s disease, dance has been shown to have remarkable benefits, improving executive function, which is crucial for planning and organizing actions. This suggests that dance isn’t just beneficial for the body—it also works wonders for the brain.
Brain Changes Through Dance
Research into the effects of dance on the brain has revealed some fascinating results. Engaging in regular dance can actually change the structure of the brain. Studies have shown that dance increases the volume of areas in the brain associated with memory, motor control, and communication between the brain’s hemispheres. These changes suggest that dance could be a valuable intervention for people with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, as well as for the general population looking to boost brain health.
Reorganizing the Mind Through Movement
The beauty of DMT lies in its understanding that the mind and body are inseparable. Movement not only reflects our emotional states but can also transform them. By engaging in new movements or dance forms, we open ourselves to new perceptions and feelings. In fact, learning to move differently can unlock repressed emotions, release creativity, and even enhance our cognitive abilities. As DMT highlights, our body movements can shape our mental state, offering a powerful avenue for emotional release and mental transformation.
The Time to Embrace Dance for Mental Health Is Now
It’s astonishing that the benefits of dance have been largely overlooked in mainstream psychotherapy. Dance, movement, and body awareness offer untapped potential for improving mental health, particularly for emotional regulation and cognitive function. It’s time to change the narrative and recognize the transformative power of dance. Whether you’re facing depression, cognitive decline, or simply seeking a way to reconnect with your body and mind, dance/movement therapy could be the key to healing.
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