Chakra Awareness through Dance Movement Therapy

Abstract

This article introduces a novel approach to holistic healing by integrating dance movement therapy with the Indian chakra system. The multidimensional chakra-imbued therapeutic movement sequence model, created by the authors, addresses the intricate balance of and among the seven chakras: root (muladhara), sacral (svadhisthana), solar plexus (manipura), heart (anahata), throat (vishuddha), third eye (ajna), and the crown (sahasrara). The model facilitates the awareness of energy centers and has the transformative potential to foster stability and resilience. The article highlights the efficacy of this model by illuminating customized, chakra-specific movement sequences that include body preparatory activities, movements metaphors, embodiment exercises, expressive movement, voice work, tapping, self-massage, eye movement sequence, visual imagery and art, yoga breathwork, and meditation alongside verbal reflection. This innovative approach, which is successfully adapted to online and offline studio spaces, offers a rich potential to build and develop body-self awareness and leads individuals toward sustaining and enhancing physical, cognitive, and emotional wellness within themselves.