Belly Dance Health Benefits

6 Reasons why you should Belly Dance

Reason 1: Increases cardiovascular strength

"Belly-dancing classes typically feature flowing dance moves choreographed to music, as well as fast-paced and energetic routines that can provide a cardiovascular workout. Professional instructors structure belly-dancing workouts to include a warm-up and aerobic dance segment. These aerobic workouts often increase your heart rate as you elevate your arms and hands above heart level."

Source: Livestrong.com

http://www.livestrong.com/article/276450-belly-dancing-fitness-weight-loss/

​Reason 2: Increases digestion

"We move muscles of the abdominal and pelvis region which massages deeper internal organs. The result is better intestine and colon health. Remember, though, to leave at least an hour or two after eating before you practice. Having food content in the stomach while dancing can make one nauseous!"

Source: Ananke (award-winning performance artist)

http://anankedance.com/8-benefits-of-belly-dance-you-didnt-know-about/

Reason 3: Increases serotonin, Norepinephrine and dopamine

Belly dance has been proven to increase serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. By increasing and regulating these neurotransmitters, belly dancers feel calm and confident.

"Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain that influences mood, anxiety, impulsiveness, learning and self-esteem. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that influences attention, alertness and attention. Focus and comprehension as well as memorization are important in dance. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that influences movement, motivation, movement, cognition, pleasure and addiction"

Source: Nancy Loyan schuemann

http://bellydance.one/mag/1472691286.html

Reason 4: Prevents Dementia

"The New England Journal of Medicine, June 19, 2003 summarized the landmark Einstein Aging Study conducted by Joe Verghese, M.D. and colleagues found that dancing helps prevent dementia... Not all forms of dance, though, offer the same benefit. Dance that requires more decision-making, like freestyle, than memorization has been shown to be more beneficial to mental acuity. Belly dance meets this criteria. The main benefit was derived from dancing often, three to four times a week. The need to learn and remember numerous dance movements produces a constant and very beneficial challenge to the brain.”

Source: Nancy Loyan schuemann and Dr. Joe Verghese

http://bellydance.one/mag/1472691286.html

Reason 5: Decreases stress

"In this day and age of almost continuous stress, the subtle rhythms of raks sharki and the traditional movements are calming. The repetitive movements of the dance and the concentration needed to do them can help a mind filled with daily stress to "let go" for a while and relax. It's hard to worry about deadlines at work when you are thinking about getting that next drop just right, or while making sure that you are in time with the music.

One effect of stress is that our bodies tense up, causing contractions or spasms in muscle groups, such as those in the neck, shoulders, or back. When a muscle is contracted, lactic acid builds up, causing the "soreness" or pain that occurs. Blood flow to the affected muscles decreases as well.

Raks sharki, on the other hand, gently stretches and uses these vulnerable muscle groups, and as they are utilized, blood flow increases and lactic acid is flushed away. Stressed muscles relax as they are gently exercised, relieving the "clenched" muscles often seen in our society. The body becomes supple and limber, and practitioners frequently report that pain diminishes in the back and neck areas."

Source: Alanta Belly Dance Company

http://www.atlantabellydance.com/ProspectiveStudents/ClassHealth.html

Reason 6: Decreases back pain

"Our spinal column contains more bones and ligaments than any other part of the body. Its 33 vertebrae are stacked together in a column joined together by cartilage and ligaments, and almost every movement of the torso depends upon its flexibility and function. Muscle groups that attach to the ligaments and vertebrae create movement in the trunk and pelvis areas. Raks sharki tones these muscles and maintains flexibility in a safe and effective manner. The muscles surrounding the hip, the largest joint in the body, are used and exercised during hip drops, and figure eights, enhancing flexibility and suppleness. Improved hip flexibility can lead to improved balance when walking as well."

Source: Atlanta Belly Dance Company

http://www.atlantabellydance.com/ProspectiveStudents/ClassHealth.html

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*information gathered from links below

To find out more information, check out these links:

http://www.esto.es/bellydance/english/origins.htm

http://www.shira.net/advice/health/heal-physical1.htm

http://www.tais-bellydance.co.nz/wawcs0147887/idDetails=164/Health%20and%20Belly%20Dancing

http://anankedance.com/8-benefits-of-belly-dance-you-didnt-know-about/

http://www.atlantabellydance.com/ProspectiveStudents/ClassHealth.html

http://www.living-belly-dance.com/belly-dancing-history.html#sthash.uEzrAUdy.dpbs

https://www.bellydance.org/articles/what_is_bellydance/

http://www.worldbellydance.com/history/

http://www.bellydancebysasha.com/belly-dancer-about-sasha/the-belly-dance/

http://www.aleenah.com/history.html

http://www.jawaahir.org/AboutTheDance.htm

https://www.nps.gov/cham/learn/historyculture/belly-dancing-an-ancient-art.htm

http://bellydance.one/mag/1472691286.html

#health #bellydance #Cardiovascularstrength #backpain #stress #dementia #dance