This is an article about the benefits of Dances of Universal Peace which was published in the
April News from Dances of Universal Peace North America
April News from Dances of Universal Peace North America
The Physiological Benefits of Dances of Universal Peace
By Jamila Nur Carla Hannaford, Ph.D.
The Dances of Universal Peace not only incorporate a wide variety of dances from around the world, the deep spiritual dances of Samuel Lewis, and a constant growth of new dances based on sacred phrases and a remembrance of how to live deeply in our modern world --- they have great physiological benefits as well. The movements are most often cross-lateral integrating all areas of the body. The more we move in this way, the more integrated is the brain, thus improving our learning, memory and ability to be creative.
For the Elders among us, research shows that people (ages 70 – 90) who danced once or twice a week decreased their chances of dementia and Alzheimer’s by 79%. Scientists have discovered that when we do cross-lateral integrated movements in an easy, relaxed way, we have the potential to grow at least 6,000 new nerve cells per day in the hippocampus of our brain(for memory), spine and olfactory nerve system (for smell). The dances tend to relax us, bringing us into the moment, thus raising our dopamine levels--- the chemical that makes us more curious, passionate and playful, while decreasing our stress levels. Also, when we dance, we actually grow more mitochondria in our muscles and in the brain. Mitochondria are the cellular organelles that extract energy from our food --- so the more we dance, the more energy we have.
Added to the dancing is the singing. The most complex instrument on the planet is the human body and voice. We are the only animals with both music and language. When we sound our instrument, we are vibrating every cell in our body, activating all areas of the brain, and toning the muscles. Our sound, especially when joined in harmony with those voices around us, increases our energy and health. Have you noticed that when you sing, your posture is better?
Before there was language there was singing and dancing. It has always been an important part of the tapestry and connection within a culture. When we look into another person’s eyes, consciously, the levels of oxytocin rise. Oxytocin is the chemical that increases bonding, and a sense of belonging. Touch is also an important part of the dance. It is our strongest anchor to the world, connecting us with others and letting us know we are real. Our hands are the most complex structure on our bodies, the last to fully develop at around 21 years of age. A very large area of the brain in the motor and sensory cortex has to do with the hand, its abundant sensory organs and amazing agility. Holding hands as we dance stimulates huge areas of the brain, allowing us to communicate more deeply with each other. When we touch another, each of us produces Brain Derived Nerve Growth Factor (BDNF), that helps to stabilize our new nerve cells and increase our understanding of ourselves and others.
At the heart of the dances is the heart. Research shows that it controls the brain, is a very complex step-down transducer that is the first to pick up information from our environment and send it to the rest of the body and finally to the brain. It becomes our “in-tutor” (intuition), our inner knowing of what is safe, true, and growth-filled. When we are truly in the dance, our hearts become coherent and entrain together, thus that feeling of oneness, enthusiasm (in God), and joy. As we become more coherent, the beings and environment around us also become more coherent. It is one of the greatest gifts the Dances of Universal Peace bring to the planet at this time. They align us with our community, and keep us in the present so that we don’t miss the mystery that is this blessed life.
For more information and research references, consult: Playing In The Unified Field.
In Joy,
Jamilla Nur/Carla Hannaford, Ph.D.
For the Elders among us, research shows that people (ages 70 – 90) who danced once or twice a week decreased their chances of dementia and Alzheimer’s by 79%. Scientists have discovered that when we do cross-lateral integrated movements in an easy, relaxed way, we have the potential to grow at least 6,000 new nerve cells per day in the hippocampus of our brain(for memory), spine and olfactory nerve system (for smell). The dances tend to relax us, bringing us into the moment, thus raising our dopamine levels--- the chemical that makes us more curious, passionate and playful, while decreasing our stress levels. Also, when we dance, we actually grow more mitochondria in our muscles and in the brain. Mitochondria are the cellular organelles that extract energy from our food --- so the more we dance, the more energy we have.
Added to the dancing is the singing. The most complex instrument on the planet is the human body and voice. We are the only animals with both music and language. When we sound our instrument, we are vibrating every cell in our body, activating all areas of the brain, and toning the muscles. Our sound, especially when joined in harmony with those voices around us, increases our energy and health. Have you noticed that when you sing, your posture is better?
Before there was language there was singing and dancing. It has always been an important part of the tapestry and connection within a culture. When we look into another person’s eyes, consciously, the levels of oxytocin rise. Oxytocin is the chemical that increases bonding, and a sense of belonging. Touch is also an important part of the dance. It is our strongest anchor to the world, connecting us with others and letting us know we are real. Our hands are the most complex structure on our bodies, the last to fully develop at around 21 years of age. A very large area of the brain in the motor and sensory cortex has to do with the hand, its abundant sensory organs and amazing agility. Holding hands as we dance stimulates huge areas of the brain, allowing us to communicate more deeply with each other. When we touch another, each of us produces Brain Derived Nerve Growth Factor (BDNF), that helps to stabilize our new nerve cells and increase our understanding of ourselves and others.
At the heart of the dances is the heart. Research shows that it controls the brain, is a very complex step-down transducer that is the first to pick up information from our environment and send it to the rest of the body and finally to the brain. It becomes our “in-tutor” (intuition), our inner knowing of what is safe, true, and growth-filled. When we are truly in the dance, our hearts become coherent and entrain together, thus that feeling of oneness, enthusiasm (in God), and joy. As we become more coherent, the beings and environment around us also become more coherent. It is one of the greatest gifts the Dances of Universal Peace bring to the planet at this time. They align us with our community, and keep us in the present so that we don’t miss the mystery that is this blessed life.
For more information and research references, consult: Playing In The Unified Field.
In Joy,
Jamilla Nur/Carla Hannaford, Ph.D.
