The healing art of bellydance
Belly dance is one of the ancient healing arts associated with movement meditation and restorative therapy to connect with the oneness of life itself. The mystical and age-old dance forms are based on organic movement taking form in sacred geometry such as infinity symbols, circles, and waves-the roots of all creation. It’s mystic in the way that no one can answer where, when and how it originated but traces are to be found dating back thousands of years, and the early dance form has been closely related to birth.
Some geometric shapes create the foundations of belly dance movement, and to understand the energies that are awakening on a cellular level as we create these shapes in our bodies.
Circles
The circle is an ancient archetype symbol of wholeness representing the cyclic nature of the rhythms of life. The movement symbolizes the sun and the moon, the masculine and feminine, the fullness of life, and can act as a guide in discovering our true essence and how to express it. Circles are seen in our eyes, our belly buttons, nostrils, ears, and our spinal columns. The half-circle or crescent is the symbol of openness and receptivity. The crescent shape has been the symbol of the female organs within the body and crescents are mirrored in our smiles, our laughing eyes, in the moon, and the crest of a water wave.
Infinity
The infinity symbol is a mathematical and sacred symbol that takes shape in figure-eight form. It represents balance and duality, light and dark, opposites and unification. Its continual flowing motions symbolize infinity. The movement in belly dance can be practiced to restore the unification of the mind and body. Our blood flow in a figure-eight through our bodies and our life force energy circulates this way too.
Waves
The wave movement is also called undulation and represents the archetype of the serpent's life force and creative energy. It’s the path of heat and the way sound travels. It is seen in the way a snake moves, the path of a river, and the belly of a woman in contractions.
Spirals
The spiral symbolizes the evolution of life. Energy spirals are associated with the creative forces of nature. Spiral and circular movements create energetic vortexes that stimulate the chakras. When our chakras are fully functioning our ability to access higher and more subtle energies increases. Spinning movement stimulates the entire energy system and induces altered states of consciousness.
Vibration
The vibration expressed in the shimmy movement in belly dance represents the invisible energetic atmosphere that surrounds us. It is found in our heartbeat, the earth's rotation, and in pulses of light. It's our Kundalini awakening, our life force energy.
The movements in belly dance have physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
Strengthens core and spine
Promoting strong and healthy posture
Increases muscle tone and flexibility
Increasing blood flow and promoting the oxygen flow throughout the body.
Enhances self-awareness and body control
Clears the mind and release stress
Enhances feelings of empowerment, relaxation, and creativity
Enhances self-esteem, fulfillment, and expressive energy
Spiritual benefits are grounding and centering, connected to your essence, and awakening the flow of life force energy.