Health benefits of Belly Dance
We are not medical consultants and
if in doubt about anything regards health and belly
dance, please consult your own doctor.
Back and joints pains
are relieved
During the dance, the movements of hip drops, circles,
figure eights, and shimmies put the joints and ligaments
in the lower back and hip through a full range of
gentle, repetitive motion. This movement helps increase
the flow of synovial fluid (nature's lubricant) in
these joints. When movements are done properly, the
pelvis is tipped forward, or tucked somewhat; a neutral
position that can help prevent lower back problems.
Raks sharki can help relieve stress to the back, counteracting
the almost constant compression of the disks that
occurs from sitting and a sedentary lifestyle. These
toned muscles improve posture and help prevent back
pain that can be caused by the unnatural curving forward
of the spine that occurs when muscle groups are weak
(lordosis).
Bone
density increases
Because a woman is on her feet, moving during
the dance, it is considered a weight-bearing exercise.
Weight-bearing exercise can prevent osteoporosis and
strengthen bones.
Belly dance is a low
impact form of exercise
The graceful hip drops, rolls, and pivots of this
dance form utilize muscle groups in the abdomen, pelvis,
trunk, spine, and neck, working with the body instead
of against it. Unlike ballet, which can potentially
alter and deform the skeleton, or other dance forms
that work against rather than with the body's physical
inclinations, raks sharki is based on movements that
come naturally to the female form. The benefits of
belly dance can be enjoyed by women of all ages.
Belly dance helps in
loosing weight
Raks sharki can burn up to 300 calories per hour.
This estimate will vary, of course, depending on the
intensity of your dancing. Combined with a healthy
diet that involves sensible eating, raks sharki can
without a doubt be part of a sound weight loss program.
Belly dance helps in
preparing for childbirth
The movements of raks sharki make an excellent prenatal
exercise regimen that strengthens the muscles used
during the childbirth process. The toned abdominal
muscles and natural hip tucks, which are similar to
the "pelvic rocking" taught during prenatal
classes, teach the expectant mother how to move her
pelvis. For women who desire natural childbirth, this
form of exercise through dance, with its emphasis
on muscle control not only facilitates natural childbirth,
but also makes an excellent post-natal exercise that
helps encourage abdominal tone. During those first
weeks after giving birth, when caution is needed while
healing from the birth process, these movements work
the muscles gently and effectively, if done very gradually.
Learn more about
Belly dance during pregnancy.
Stress levels become
lower
Repetitious swaying, circular and flowing
movements are likened to a state of dance-meditation.
The dancer often finds that a session of slow, graceful
dancing will clear the mind and induce a state of
mental relaxation. The faster forms of belly dance
are stimulating and fun, and either slow or fast belly
dancing can be useful in cases of anxiety or mild
depression
Belly dancing boosts
self-esteem
The movements are artistic and feminine,
creating a positive feeling of sensual expression
and freedom. With sensuality being a desirable quality
of belly dancing, the dancer feels safe to explore
the soft, beautiful ways the body can move. In the
act of dancing with sensuality, the dancer frees herself
in physical and emotional ways.
The body, which becomes increasingly supple and graceful
through practicing the dance, literally learns to
move more beautifully. Dancers feel a heightened sense
of elegance and poise when they dance, and this delightful
confidence remains long after the class or performance
is finished. The body awareness that comes from belly
dancing often triggers an emotional response. Women
with low self-image begin to honour their bodies.
Previously weight conscious participants relax and
become comfortable with their bellies and hips. Voluptuous
women appreciate their ample curves.
Belly dancing can help
relieve PMS
Soothing belly dance movements such as rolling
the hips, figure of eights and undulations can help
to alleviate congestion in the pelvic area. Circulation
to the pelvic area improves and at the same time,
the feeling of relaxation alleviates stress.
