|
Many
who participate in dance know that bellydancing makes you feel
great. What is it's secret? How does this ancient art - based
on simple rolling, undulating moves - energise the body and mind?
The secret of the dance is it's circular, rolling patterns. They
activate energy and promote good health. Its that simple. There
is no great mastery required - the moves are easy enough to replicate
by the advanced dancer and novice alike. Living in Singapore for
some time, I became interested in the ancient exercises my Chinese
friends did - exercises to rejuvenate the body and mind. I have
found that the ancient Chinese exercises used in Tai Chi have
a similar flow and pattern to the movements used in bellydance. |
|
|
The endocrine system linked to the chakra system In
Taoism, the glandular or endocrine systems that produce vital hormones
are viewed as the base networks for overall health, well being and
balance - both physical and emotional. Nobel prize winning Dr Alexis
Carrel stated that the glandular system was the "wheel of life"
that sustained all cellular function in the human body. |
|
Hormonal balance vs imbalance The 5000 year old medicinal theory suggests that one must have all hormonal levels balanced for optimum health. If one energy system is depleted, the others will also suffer weakness because of it, yet if even one system is strengthened, the whole endocrine system will improve. The pancreatic system for example, affects the thymus or heart area. In appropriate levels of insulin produced by the pancreas will alter the thickness and viscosity of the blood, which will in turn be more difficult to pump through the heart's arteries. This is why many diabetics also have high blood pressure. Another expample is the link between kidneys, adrenalin and the ability of the kidneys to filter the blood efficiently. Excess constant stress or the use of cortisones can cause anemia and bone weakening. Stress is extremely depleting on the whole body. So by either energising or depleting one organ, the other organs will be affected. The master glands, according to the Tao, are the sex hormones. Tai Chi exercises to activate the balance of the gonads consist of circular 'hula-hoop' movements in the hips to recharge the area. The Chinese believe that if the sex hormones are not balanced and strong, the rest of the body will be depleted of vital energy. The simple hip circles used in bellydance will activate the production of sex hormones and hence the exercises have been used to regulate irregular menstrual cycles, PMT and even alleviate the symptoms of menopause. The Chinese Tai Chi masters believe this is an exercise men should do to. The shimmy is a potent hip vibration that accelerates energy through this area, stimulating blood flow and reproductive health. Taoists believe that harnessing the energy within the gonads is the key to longevity. African ritual dance, hawaiian, Polynesian and other fertility dances with heavy drums tend to activate this area. Earthiness and a feeling of groundedness accompany these moves. Dance moves: Hip circles, pelvic rolling circles, figure of 8's Adrenalin and the nervous system The kidney's adrenals release adrenalin which is over produced in states of high anxiety and stress. This can deplete the other energy systems and unbalance the nerves. Undulations and swaying moves of the lower torso and belly can help the massage the kidneys and rejuvenate the internal organs. The shimmy is also a good activator for the kidneys. The adrenals produce a fiery passion, a dynamism which is seen in Latin and Spanish Flamenco dance - its energy can be activated through guitars and string instruments. The 'tiger' pose in Tai Chi practiced on the balls of the feet with the arms reaching forward whilst the back becomes rounded to massage the kidneys. Dance moves: Shimmies, accents, figure of 8's A weak pancreas secretes insulin into the bloodstream causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and cravings for sweets and carbohydrate which once consumed overstimulate the weak pancreas and hyerglycemia (high blood sugar) may follow. triggering diabetes. A strong pancreas is also a useful aid to proper digestion. The pancreas can be internally massaged through the figure of eight move and also the full torso undulation or body wave. Brass instruments and warm rich melodies activate these moves. In Tai Chi the 'bear' pose is done with the abdomen potruding forward whilst walking rhythmically to massage the pancreas. This can help with regulating insulin production which in turn neutralises sugar cravings. Undulating and rolling the mid and lower torso can help strengthen the pancreas and surrounding organs that aid digestion - namely the liver, gallbladder, stomach and intestines. Dance moves: Undulations, figure of 8's, belly roll Happy heart and super immunity The
thymus, if tapped daily as in the Tai Chi practice 'Do-In', boosts
health and immunity. The ribcage circles and chest and shoulder
shimmy activates the thymus which, in turn regulates the heart and
circulatory system. The violin's smooth strokes or the accordian's
stretching notes create a swaying effect whilst the req played at
the shoulders activates the shoulder shimmy. Music that 'pulls the
heartstrings' is ideal to stretch and sway the upper torso to. The
thymus rests in the body's 'emotional' centre. The 'eagle' exercise
for the thymus in Tai Chi, performed with the arms outstretched
to the sides, gliding as the eagle does through the air, is belived
to combat melancholy. The
thyroid in the throat chakra governs metabolism and growth. Head
slides and neck extensions will help to activate this area. Zills
- Artemis' 'Drums of the Air' work with the energy as the head sllides
and neck moves. The thyroid's health is essential for overall energy,
drive and effective communications. Hyperthyroidism overstimulates
the secretion of thyroxin which speeds up the metabolism creating
anxiety, whilst hypothyroidism creates legarthy. Taoists believe
that by massaging the thyroid and throat area the gland can be rejuvenated. |
|
 |
House of Spirit The
pituitary gland is the intelligence gland, controlling memory and
thought and the pineal is the spiritual and intuitive centre. Humans
are the only animals with a pineal gland - the Taoists believe this
gives humans their quest for spirituality. Whirling, like the derwishes,
serves to open these areas and stimulate the energies in these glands.
Flutes, nays and oboes achieve the airy effect required to activate
these areas. |
|
Bellydancing
to massage and rejuvenate internal organs Dancers who wish to improve their health through bellydancing can practice the rolloing, circular moves slowly, rhythmically and with a relaxed deep breathing pattern. If you wish to try Chi Qong, Tai Chi or the slower martial arts, try a local centre or group. The Pulse 8 'Body Temple' program incorporates many bellydance isolations and rhythmic stretching moves with Tai Chi poses. See more about Pulse8 here. Keti Sharif 2005 |
|
