Tango as Dance Movement Therapy
Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is an innovative and effective approach for treating eating disorders. By integrating physical movement with emotional expression, DMT helps individuals reconnect with their bodies, explore emotions, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
One of the standout forms of dance therapy is Tango. This passionate and dynamic dance is particularly effective in helping individuals with eating disorders due to its emphasis on connection, trust, and body awareness. Tango requires partners to be in tune with each other’s movements, promoting a deep sense of physical and emotional connection. This can be especially beneficial for those struggling with body image and self-esteem, common issues in eating disorder recovery​ (BlueRidgeTreatment)​​ (HealthyPlace)​.
Tango‘s structured yet expressive nature allows participants to engage in a form of communication that transcends words, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-discovery. By learning to move confidently with a partner, individuals can begin to build a more positive relationship with their bodies and enhance their self-esteem​ (Eating Disorder Hope)​​ (BioMed Central)​.
The benefits of DMT extend beyond the dance floor. It provides a creative outlet for expressing emotions, helps regulate stress, and improves overall mental health. Incorporating DMT into eating disorder treatment can lead to significant improvements in body image, emotional regulation, and social integration​ (HealthyPlace)​​ (BioMed Central)​.
For more information on the benefits of Tango as a form of dance therapy, you can visit HealthyPlace and Journal of Eating Disorders. These resources provide deeper insights into how DMT, particularly Tango, can be a powerful tool in the journey towards recovery.
Oxytocin and Tango Dance Therapy
Tango, often described as a dance of passion and connection, is not just about intricate steps and rhythms. It also plays a significant role in the release of oxytocin, the hormone commonly known as the “cuddle hormone” or “bonding hormone.”
The close physical contact and coordinated movements in Tango dancing stimulate the release of oxytocin, fostering a deep sense of connection and trust between dance partners. This hormone is crucial for social bonding and emotional well-being, reducing stress levels by counteracting cortisol, the stress hormone​ (Access Tango by Daniela S. Borgialli)​​ (The Code of Style)​.
When Tango dancers embrace, they create a physical and emotional connection that can lead to increased oxytocin levels. This is similar to the effect of hugging, which has been shown to trigger oxytocin release and reduce stress. The extended duration of the Tango embrace, often lasting several minutes, amplifies this effect, providing a prolonged boost in oxytocin compared to shorter physical contacts like quick hugs​ (Access Tango by Daniela S. Borgialli)​.
Studies have highlighted the therapeutic potential of Tango in various contexts. For example, Tango has been used to improve the emotional and social well-being of individuals, particularly the elderly and those with neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. These therapeutic benefits are largely attributed to the increase in oxytocin and the resulting enhanced emotional connectivity and reduced anxiety​ (The Code of Style)​.
For more detailed information on the relationship between Tango dancing and oxytocin release, you can explore resources such as Access Tango and The Code of Style. These sources provide further insights into how Tango dancing fosters emotional bonds and enhances overall mental health through the release of oxytocin.
