During a drug and alcohol detox, your body is going to feel all sorts of strange ways because it is going through a shock. Dance and movement therapy can help you get in touch with your body in new ways and ease the intensity of the detox process. Today, we are going to be talking about what movement therapy is and the benefits of practicing it during a drug and alcohol detox. Let’s find out if this effective therapy is right for you. Heck, you may as well try it all; this is your life, and it’s time to get it back.
What is Movement Therapy?
It may help to think of Tai Chi here; someone came up with tai chi movements long ago, and this ancient practice is still known to move energy through the body. Movement therapy, on the other hand, focuses on flowing with movements that feel right to you. This may feel a little strange at first, so just take some deep breaths, put on some Tibetan singing bowls, and move your body. Observe how much control you have over it, and release that control, flow, and be present. The goal of this practice is to create heightened awareness in the mind in order to deal with the uncomfortable sensations of detox from an observatory standpoint.
Dance is a Universal Language
Dance is a direct creation of human imagination and emotion. Before it came about, there was no one to teach tap, jazz, or hip hop; you do not have to be a professional when it comes to movement therapy. Movement therapy is about moving in a way that allows you to express your emotions. Emotion is the root of all dance, and it is a language that allows us to communicate with each other across cultures, thoughts, and ideas.
As a form of worldwide communication and artistic self-expression, dance has always been an integral part of human culture. Science has proven that when we dance, the body releases various hormones (endorphins) that are associated with a quality of health and happiness. Now that’s pretty powerful.
The Benefits of Movement Therapy in Addiction Recovery
The benefits of movement therapy during detox and addiction recovery are incredible. We are here to view the mind and body as a whole and get to the root cause of your addiction. Through movement therapy, patients come to realize multiple benefits.
Let’s take a look at a few:
- We typically see increased confidence and awareness in patients after dance and movement therapy.
- Increased body awareness helps patients recognize the signs and triggers of withdrawal.
- Through movement therapy, patients learn newfound coping mechanisms to help them with their daily battles and triggers.
- Patients come to an increased awareness of thoughts through the connection of mind and body, leading to more compassion and less guilt and resentment.
Overall, dance therapy is a great approach to addiction recovery because movement is one of the most effective ways to deal with emotions and traumas that arise during detox and recovery.
What Types of Dance Methods are Used in Movement Therapy?
Dance therapy is not about dance in the traditional sense; we are not going to assign you or a loved one a choreography that they will have to learn; instead, the patient and the therapist will privately express traumas through prompt-based movements.
Here’s a look into some of the assignments you may get during movement therapy:
- Mirror work and observation of movements in front of a mirror
- Dancing based on compassionate prompts with your therapist
- Acting out or finding a way to physically express past events
Now, when it comes to form, most patients will be able to participate in various forms of dance, including:
- Somatic practices
- Improvisation
- Expressive dance
- Contact-Dance
- Authentic movement
Each method has a particular approach with variations according to the preferences of the specific patient, that is, their personality, body type, and objectives. Our talented dance therapists have years of experience and expertise in using the right methods to help our patients through their addiction recovery journey.
Is Movement Therapy Effective During a Drug and Alcohol Detox?
If you are in the detox stage of recovery, it is so important that you reach out for professional help. At The Encino Detox Center, you can choose to detox under the care of professional nurses, doctors, and therapists. Dance therapy should not be considered a cure-all during detox therapy, as your body is going through genuine shock and needs medical and holistic therapies.
Although it is considered experimental, most of our patients have seen much success by incorporating movement into their detox program. Getting in touch with your body is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. So even though it may feel embarrassing and awkward initially, take a deep breath and try. See what happens as you get back in touch with your body and mind. It is time to gain your power back and receive the treatment and self-care that you need.
Explore Dance and Movement Therapy at The Encino Detox Center in Los Angeles, CA
Checking into a detox program with both medical and alternative forms of healing in Los Angeles, CA is the right move. Dance and movement therapy is an ancient practice that can create life-changing habits for those struggling with detox and addiction. It addresses the physical, emotional, and social effects of substance abuse. At The Encino Detox Center, we believe in the power of holistic wellness and always guide our patients toward alternative methods of recovery.
By integrating movement therapy into your detox and addiction program, you’ll be able to cultivate a path toward a sustainable and healthy life in sobriety. If you or your loved one is battling drug or alcohol addiction, reach out to us today. We’re here to support you through detox and recovery in a compassionate and transformative way.
