Dance in Medicine by Felicia Dunbar

Dance in Medicine explores the remarkable role of dance therapy in both physical rehabilitation and mental well-being, highlighting its holistic approach to healing. This book examines how dance, strategically applied, can stimulate neuroplasticity, enhance the mind-body connection, and serve as a potent therapeutic tool. By integrating physical, emotional, and cognitive dimensions, dance offers a unique approach, challenging traditional, often compartmentalized, healthcare models. It details how specific movements can improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress hormones, and foster emotional expression, demonstrating dance's capacity to address conditions like chronic pain and motor impairments.

The book begins by tracing dance's historical roots as a healing modality, evolving to modern clinical applications. It then transitions to the physiological mechanisms at play, presenting evidence from clinical trials, observational studies, and qualitative research. Structured into three sections, the book introduces dance therapy's principles, explores specific applications through case studies related to conditions like Parkinson's and autism, and addresses practical implications for integrating dance into healthcare systems.

The book aims to equip readers with a thorough understanding of dance’s therapeutic potential, advocating for its recognition as a valuable tool for promoting wellness.