The joys - and benefits - of bellydancing!
16/06/2007
Ask what the word "belly' conjures up to your average Westerner, and they'll normally say a "six pack" or a "beer belly". But if you'd have asked the same question of someone from an ancient Eastern civilization, they might well have said "digestion," or "breath."
In today's image-mad society, the external aspect of the belly has taken over from the importance of the internal belly - vital to our digestion, to breathing and to feeling. But one young woman is trying to change that, by teaching older people to belly dance - thereby helping to ease back trouble, benefit breathing and strengthen the whole abdominal area.
Magali Penoel, who trained in holistic health and aromatherapy, has been working with Age Concern in Birmingham offering Egyptian belly dancing to OAPs in day care centres and workshops. Magali, who is French, said: "Belly dancing can be traced back for hundreds of centuries, and is said to have originated in Egypt, where it was used to celebrate ones spiritual, physical and emotional dimensions. It was very much integrated into everyday life, unlike now, where most Westerners see it as a kind of exotic dance for predominantly male audiences."
Magali has chosen to teach Egyptian belly dancing as it is predominantly associated with health benefits. Because this form uses soft, gentle and easy moves centered in the pelvic or abdominal area, it is beneficial for all ages. Based on squeezing and releasing muscles including the pelvic floor, the dance is excellent for helping incontinence, stimulates blood flow (vital in keeping the brian active), and can help fight osteoporosis.
People who suffer from digestive problems have also found that "belly rolls" activate the elimination of wastes. Magali continued: "There is no stigma attached to specific body type, size, shape or age. Egyptian belly dancing is non-jugmental and non-competitive, and I have seen people who suffer from low self-esteem, anxiety or stress learn to love themselves just the way they are. And we don't use mirrors, because Egyptian belly dancing is about feeling - not showing. In other words, I encourage people to go through moves which make them feel good as opposed to look good - and the uplifting music and veils all add to that."
Today, the health profession recognises the crucial role that the belly plays in our general health as the seat of our digestive and immune system, which is why, along with belly dancing and massages, Magali also offers receipes on belly-friendly drinks during her workshop to cleanse the system.
Magali offers belly dancing for all ages, genders, abilities at Harborne Complementary Health Clinic. For more information ring the clinic on 0121 4723712 or call Magali on 07849 748744. Alternatively visit the website linked below.