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The mind-body connection has always been revered by many ancient Eastern practices such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, and Ayurveda which talk about a holistic approach towards well-being. A few years ago, I came across a book by Louis Hay, "You Can Heal Your Life," which sheds light on this relationship. It talks about the idea that a person's thoughts and emotions can manifest as physical ailments within their bodies.
1. Why is understanding the body important in the modern world?
In today's busy world, it's crucial to slow down and connect with our bodies. Understanding the body helps us stay calm because the mind and body are connected. Breathing, for example, affects our emotions, which is why practices like pranayama help with stress and anger.
Since the mind and body are linked, improving one can help the other.
Since the mind and body are linked, improving one can help the other. One easy way to do this is by being more physically active. Many studies show that activities like yoga, running, dancing, going to the gym, or playing sports have therapeutic benefits. These activities help loosen up muscles and joints where we often hold stress and tension.
Physical activity improves blood flow, balance, coordination, posture, breathing, and flexibility. Having a consistent physical routine also enhances sleep quality, food habits and time management. Some activities, like dance and drama, even allow us to express emotions which helps in regulating them, promoting a more balanced life.
2. How does Bharatnatyam promote well-being?
Bharatnatyam is one such art form. While dancing, different body parts like the eyes, shoulders, neck, hands, fingers, torso, legs, feet, and toes move in synchrony. This not only enhances physical movement but also activates the cognitive.
A survey shows that an alarippu (the first piece in a Bharatanatyam repertoire), which is generally 3 minutes long, has approximately 200 movements. These include movements of both major and minor limbs. Apart from the simultaneity in the bodily movements, dancers are also taught to synchronize with the rhythm of the song that is being danced to. These rhythms consist of larger beats and smaller beats which keeps the mind constantly active.
3. Benefits of Bharatnatyam as per Ancient Medical Beliefs
The foot and palms consist of various meridian points that correlate to various organs in a human’s body. Holding mudras and stamping the feet on the floor also enhances the activation of these points.
This mainly helps in stress relaxation, sleep management, and digestion.
For example- the point under the big toe is connected to the brain. Hence, when an adavu-s like kuditta mettu (where the dancer jumps on their toes) is done, the brain gets activated and calms down.
Similarly, the tips of the fingers are connected to the head and the mind while the center of the palm is for the solar plexus (the diaphragm region). So, when a dancer holds a shikara mudra the solar plexus, the mind and the brain gets activated.
4. Conclusion
Bharatnatyam is a multidisciplinary art form. Besides telling stories and entertaining, it also provides the dancer with many physical and mental benefits. Understanding and actively engaging with our bodies externally and internally facilitates a holistic and comprehensive approach towards life. And the best part, is you can learn Bharatnatyam online with Spardha.
~ Kartika Sanjvalla
Bharatnatyam Teacher