Stressors, both big and small, become trapped within our bodies. When we are impacted by stress, our brain releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, through-out our body by way of the sympathetic branch of our vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in our body and is responsible for regulating our nervous system. It runs from our brainstem to our stomach and branches into all connective tissues, visceral organs, and muscles. When the sympathetic branch is activated and stress hormones are released, blood vessels constrict, our muscles tense, breathing becomes shallow, heart rate accelerates, and our digestion shuts down. If left unchecked, these bodily sensations can turn into chronic conditions and diseases, ie: chronic tension/pain, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, IBS, asthma, and other auto-immune diseases.
The good news is that releasing stored trauma from your body is not difficult to do. Contrary to popular belief you do not need to unpack every macro and micro stressor for hours in talk therapy. You have another option besides spending hundreds or even thousands of your hard earned dollars on medical treatments or taking endless cocktails of prescription pills. In fact, an alternative remedy to releasing stored trauma is already in your possession and immediately accessible. Try a new option- breathwork and ecstatic dance. Suspend your disbelief momentarily because this somatic practice is far from "woo-woo" or "new age."
Breathwork and ecstatic dance is an evidence-based exercise that has been practiced for thousands of years across the globe. Our tribal ancestors incorporated ecstatic dance and shaking to quick-paced drum beats within their rituals. Nowadays, anyone who has been to an EDM festival can understand the healing and uplifting benefits that our ancestors knew intimately. It has been hypothesized that these rituals and their benefits are grounded in the electromagnetic field of our Earth. The Earth's electromagnetic frequency holds at 7.83Hz. This is called the Shuman Resonance and it is considered the Earth's "heartbeat." Typically, the tribal music of our past and the popular music of modern times operates around 7.83Hz, as well. This frequency has also been said to correlate with Alpha-Beta brainwave frequencies. These frequencies are reported to promote euphoric states of mind, creative and inspired thinking, as well as enhanced focus and concentration. Therefore, by shaking and dancing to music at this specific Hz frequency, we are syncing our bodies and minds to the heartbeat of nature.
The effects of ecstatic dance are further enhanced by coordinating our movement to the rhythm of our breath. Rhythmic breathing brings our heart into a steady rhythm, creating coherence through-out our entire bodily system. This trips the wire of the sympathetic branch of our nervous system and switches on the parasympathetic branch, which is responsible for our ability to relax, bond with others, and experience joy. As a result, the autonomous functioning of our body is restored, we are fueled with energy, the mind becomes balanced, and our mind is elevated.
You can feel the effects of ecstatic dance and breathwork immediately, within 5-10 minutes of practice. You may experience a full-spectrum of emotions, ranging from laughter and euphoria to tears. Try not to become concerned or overwhelmed as they bubble up. Don't stop dancing, don't dwell or attempt to impede their flow. Analyzing or rationalizing the emotions will negate the therapeutic benefits of the somatic practice. Intead, keep a journal close by for when you have completed the practice to write down any significant revelations or insights. You may be surprised at what surfaces and how much lighter your body feels physically and emotionally.
Create what I call your Positive Vibe playlist. Fill it with music (preferably dance-type music) that uplifts you with positive messaging, so that you are creating your own moment of self-hypnosis. This is key! As mentioned above, the frequency of the music will stimulate your brain to produce alpha-beta brainwaves, which will create a hypnotic trance that creates an opportunity to absorb positive affirmations, suggestions, and influences. Additionally, the rhythmic breathing will stimulate the physiological responses within your wbody which will re-affirm and ground the positive messaging. Also, to ensure you are getting the most out of your ecstatic dance practice, keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, bend your knees slightly, and begin to shake or wiggle your legs, arms, and head. This does not need to be done intensely, rather. allow the music and your energy to intuitively move you.
The best time to practice ecstatic dance is at the start of your day. It will fuel you with positive energy that sustains you through-out the day and acts as a protective barrier against stress and negative emotions. Incorporate ecstatic dance into your morning work-out, while you are making breakfast or even in the car on the way to work. When possible use ecstatic dance anytime you need a boost of energy, motivation, or spirit. This may be on your lunch break or when you get home from work. This is also a wonderful practice to share with your family, friends, and community. Organize an ecstatic dance party to generate even more positive vibes, further enhance your own energy, and share a wonderful bonding experience.
In short, don't let negative emotions linger - shake them off! Happy dancing!
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