Overview

Have you recently experienced sluggishness and a decrease in your levels of energy? Or have you been experiencing chronic pain for a while and want to feel better? A dance movement therapy session with us might be just what you need. Here's what you should know about dance movement therapy for functional medicine.

What is Dance Movement Therapy?

Dance movement therapy, or DMT for short, is defined as the use of movement to improve your cognitive, emotional, and physical functions. Practitioners of DMT believe that the body and mind are connected, and imbalances in this connection can be healed through the practice of dance and movement. Dance movement therapy can be used to treat various illnesses such as depression and chronic lower back pain, resulting in increased wellness and an improvement in your health and mental well-being.

What Are the Benefits of Dance Movement Therapy?

Clinical reports indicate that dance movement therapy offers multiple benefits. Dance movement sessions can be recommended for people of all ages and all exercise levels. DMT has been shown to:

• Improve symptoms of anxiety and increase plasma serotonin levels
• Enhance self-awareness
• Reduce anger
• Increase movement and flexibility
• Be effective in treating patients with depression
• Effective in patients with Parkinson's

Dance therapy has also been shown to be a beneficial form of exercise in patients with cancer. Regular movement of your body by dancing not only helps you to stay active, but can also enhance your well-being and improve the functioning of your body's various systems, including circulation, digestion, and respiration.

What to Expect During a Dance Movement Therapy Practice

If you've never been to a dance therapy session, you might be wondering what to expect. A dance therapist at Complete Wellness Medical Center is a licensed professional who creates a series of dance steps and coordinated movements based on your health status. Your dance therapist will carefully assess your physical, mental, and emotional needs before a choreography specific to you can be created. During your session, you may find your therapist observing your body language and expressions and suggesting changes to the choreography to address your individual needs. While you may feel the benefits of dance after just one session, most patients prefer coming back for more as a way of maintaining a high level of wellness.

For more information about dance movement therapy, contact Complete Wellness Medical Center at (386) 734-2592.