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Balaji Deekshitulu P V, AJHC, 2019; 2:9

Review Article AJHC 2019,2:9

American Journal of History and Culture (ISSN:2637-4919)

Physical & Mental Health for Indian Classical

Balaji Deekshitulu P V

Homeopathy & Alternative Medicine Physician and Counseling Psychologist, Sri Balaji Homeo Clinic, , A.P, .cell:8885391722 / 7207255557. ABSTRACT

Dance provides an active, non-competitive form of exercise *Correspondence to Author: that has potential positive effects for physical health as well as Balaji Deekshitulu P V mental and emotional wellbeing. Dance therapy is based on the Homeopathy & Alternative Medi- idea that body and mind are co-relational. The therapeutic ap- cine Physician and Counseling Psy- proaches with various forms of Indian are a new entrant chologist, Sri Balaji Homeo Clinic, to dance literature. held dance as a power of healing Tirupati, A.P, India.cell:8885391722 (therapy) and inner awareness (psychology). Indian philosophy / 7207255557. also supports the facts of Sangeet (song, dance and ) for benefit of human health physically as well as mentally. The pow- erful dance form of (), Karagam (Tamilnadu), How to cite this article: Chou, Rayabese, Dhali () gives good health and Balaji Deekshitulu P V. Physical & strength. The fast footwork of dance helps to release Mental Health for Indian Classical anger and tension. Manipuri dancers make rounded movements Dance. American Journal of History and avoid any jerks, sharp edges or straight lines. It gives them and Culture, 2019,2:9. undulating and soft appearance, proper body control and peace of mind. All these body movements, body balancing, expression, muscle movement, muscle constriction and relaxation have a strong effect on therapeutic movements. In India today the dance therapists are conscious about this matter and in therapeutic eSciPub LLC, Houston, TX USA. sessions they actually improvise different dance movements ac- Website: http://escipub.com/ cording to the need.

Keywords: Indian classical dances, Mental and physical illness

AJHC: http://escipub.com/american-journal-of-history-and-culture/ 1 Balaji Deekshitulu P V, AJHC, 2019; 2:9 Introduction impressions of different feelings and emotions, and so are eyebrows, nose, cheek, chin, neck, Dance is a performing of art; Dance is the head, limbs, etc. It also holds different body movement of the body in a rhythmic way, (torso) movements, hand gestures, movement usually to music and within a given space, for of different body parts in its actual directions the purpose of expressing an idea or emotion, and their effects on dance as well as human releasing energy, or simply taking delight in the body and mind (Shastri, 1931). In modern India movement itself. Dance is combine such types of works are in a very nascent performance of , . stage. Some organizations and Institutes are Dance Therapy: Indian Perspective being involved to do some work for betterment Dance therapy is specialized and of life by dance therapy. psychotherapeutic use of dance for the , or Shastriya , is improvement of cognitive, behavioral and an umbrella term for various performance arts physical conditions. Dance therapy is based on rooted in religious Hindu musical theatrestyles, the idea that body and mind are co-relational, whose theory and practice can be traced to the that the physical state of the body can affect the text Natya . The Sangeet emotional and mental wellbeing both positively Natak Akademi recognizes eight – and negatively (Quin, Redding & Frazer, 2007). , Kathak, , , Kat In western world dance has been used for long hakali, , Manipuri and .so time as therapy for patients, whether alternate me dances are traditionally regional, all of them or complementary. include music and recitation in local language The relationship of health with various types of or Sanskrit, and they represent a unity of core dances is of great interest now-a-days. Indeed, ideas in a diversity of styles, costumes and the approach of therapy is maintained in India expression. Indian classical dance is made knowingly or unknowingly from a very long from India and classical dance is played by time. Ayurveda held dance as a power of various actors. healing (therapy) and inner awareness Dance (psychology). Indian philosophy also supports State the facts of Sangeet (song, dance and music) Bharatanatyam for benefit of human health physically as well as Bhangra Punjab mentally (Shastri, 1931). The Natyashastra, a , Orissa, W. Bengal Chhau millennium old Indian treatise, seems to be the and Jharkhand Garhwali Uttaranchal first in recognizing the two-fold importance of psychology in with the production of Hattari a natya (drama), comprising of geet (song), Kathak badya (music) and nritya (dance). According to the Natyashastra,among the four techniques of Kutchipudi Khantumm Mizoram representation (abhinaya), such as gestures Madhya Pradesh (angika), words (vacika), make-up (aharya) and Laho Meghalaya the (sattvika), the angika consists of Mohiniattam Kerala Mando Goa physical representation by using various Manipuri gestures and postures (Ghosh, 1967). The eyes have different kinds of glances depending Nat-Natin Bihar upon the expressions of psychological states Odissi Orissa Laho &Kashmir () and sentiments (). Eyeballs are Mohiniattam Karnataka also liable to similar changes to create

AJHC: http://escipub.com/american-journal-of-history-and-culture/ 2 Balaji Deekshitulu P V, AJHC, 2019; 2:9 The is the foundational treatise • Abhinaya draws out the bhava (mood, for classical dances of India and this text is psychological states) attributed to the ancient scholar Dance is an enjoyable health Muni.6000 BC The text, states Natalia Lidova, promoting physical activity This physical describes the theory of Tāṇḍava dance (), activity appeals to some who may not be active the theory of rasa, of bhāva, expression, and therefore may be another alternative of gestures, acting techniques, basic steps, exercise. Dance for health has become an standing postures – all of which are part of important factor in the prevention, treatment Indian classical dances. and management in several health All classical dances of India used similar circumstances. It is not only significant for symbolism and rules of gestures your physical health but it also contributes to in abhinaya (acting). The roots of abhinaya are your mental health and subsidizes social found in the Natyashastra text which defines communication. Dance is an art which is drama in verse 6.10 as that which aesthetically learned from many cultures. Types arouses joy in the spectator, through the of dance can entail body movements, medium of actor's art of communication, that expression and collaboration. helps connect and transport the individual into a Health benefits of dancing super sensual inner state of being.A Dancing can be a way to stay fit for people of performance art, asserts Natyashastra, all ages, shapes and sizes. It has a wide range connects the artists and the audience of physical and mental benefits including: through abhinaya (literally, "carrying to the spectators"), that is applying body-speech-mind • improved condition of your heart and lungs and scene, wherein the actors communicate to • increased muscular strength, endurance the audience, through song and music. Drama and motor fitness in this ancient Sanskrit text, thus is an art to • increased aerobic fitness engage every aspect of life, in order to glorify • improved muscle tone and strength and gift a state of joyful consciousness. • weight management The communication through symbols is in the • stronger bones and reduced risk of form of expressive gestures (mudras or hastas) osteoporosis and pantomime set to music. The gestures and • better coordination, agility and flexibility facial expressions convey the ras(sentiment, • improved balance and spatial awareness emotional taste) and bhava (mood) of the • increased physical confidence underlying story. In Hindu classical dances, the • improved mental functioning artist successfully expresses the spiritual ideas • improved general and psychological by paying attention to four aspects of a wellbeing performance: • greater self-confidence and self-esteem • Angika (gestures and body language), • better social skills. • Vachika (song, recitation, music and In Bharata Natyam, the Classical Dance of rhythm), India, approximately fifty-five • Aharya (stage setting, costume, make up, root mudras (hand/finger gestures),24 types of jewelry), Asamyuta Hastas in Kuchipudi, 28 types of • Sattvika (artist's mental disposition and mudras in Kathak,470 mudras of kathakali, 24 emotional connection with the story and of mohiniattam are used to clearly audience, wherein the artist's inner and communicate specific ideas, events, actions, or outer state resonates). creatures in which thirty-two require only one hand, and are classified as `Asamyukta Hasta', AJHC: http://escipub.com/american-journal-of-history-and-culture/ 3 Balaji Deekshitulu P V, AJHC, 2019; 2:9 along with twenty-three other primary mudras ...

Therapeutic Value of Indian Classical classical dances. The development and Dances evolution of Indian dance is intrinsically A very little knowledge was available till date connected to Indian philosophy and spirituality. regarding the therapeutic value of Indian Indeed, the approach of therapy in this type of

AJHC: http://escipub.com/american-journal-of-history-and-culture/ 4 Balaji Deekshitulu P V, AJHC, 2019; 2:9 dance is also maintained knowingly or is oriented and gives importance unknowingly from a very long time. It is clearly to padartha abhinaya, each word interpreted understandable that prolonged practice of through mudras. In navarasa parts (nine dance in its proper way not only gives physical sentiments) the dancers expresses their inner fitness but also strengthens the mental power, feelings and it helps to release their emotions. self-esteem and helps to relate the body-mind This practice can be well used for emotional relationship. wellbeing and psycho-therapy. This dance form Kathak is a classical dance form originated strengthens the hamstring muscles including from North India. It is a partially narrative dance semitendinosus, semimenbranosus, biseps form characterized by fast footwork (tatkar), femoris, etc. spins (chakkar) and innovative use Manipuri dance originates from Manipur, a state of bhav(expression) in abhinaya (acting). With in north-eastern part of India. It was originally time and history, it has developed into a highly only performed in temples and continues to refined system of rhythm and movement, form an integral part of the religious and social capable of communicating complex human fabric of Manipur. Manipuri dance is devotional dynamics as well as abstract form and in nature and is exclusively attached to the composition (Dutt, 2008). and , who are The hastamudras (hand gestures), the poses, often the main characters depicted in dance and even the walk of the dancer further filter compositions like . It became better into this narrative and the whole feeling known outside the region through the efforts of conveyed by the dancer. In light of dance Rabindranath Tagore. Movements of the body, therapy Kathak is a complete dynamic . feet and facial expressions in Manipuri dance The dancer depends on are significant. Unlike other classical dances their (dancing bells) for balancing the Manipuri dancers never strike the ground in chakkars (spins), facial muscle hard during dancing. This saves them not to be for abhinaya (expression), proper position of injured during long practice of dance. The arms and feet and also mudras, etc. Kathak is a traditional Manipuri dance style embodies stimulus that affects the body in its entirety. The delicate, lyrical and graceful movements. fast footwork helps to release anger and Behind this outwardly soft impression a tough tension. The performed in this dance form regime of body control is always present in this includes the therapeutic torso movements and form of dance (Kashyap, 2005). Manipuri it is now used for the treatment purpose also as dancers make rounded movements and avoid a form of physical exercise. Kathak signifies the any jerks, sharp edges or straight lines. It gives importance of dance and is the revolutionary them undulating and soft appearance, proper new way to communicate. body control and peace of mind. Bharatnatyam is one of the most sublime of the Kathakali is a form of Indian classical dance Indian classical dances. It emerged in Tanjore originated in the Southern Indian state of of Tamil Nadu. Bharatnatyam encompasses all Kerala. Kathakali dance style depends on the the traditional aspects of classical dance: component with emphasis on facial the mudras (hand positions), abhinaya (facial expressions, rhythm and movement of hands, expressions), and padams (narrative dances). legs, body and the hand gestures. The In Bharatnatyam dance form the dancers make therapeutic part of this dance forms mainly considerable use of hand-and-eye movements deals with the facial muscle. This dance form to express different emotions (Kilger, 1993). It needs much more strength and mainly the male is an amalgamation of emotion, music, rhythm dancers perform the act. According to the and expression. Bharatanatyam philosophy of Kathakali, the human body is

AJHC: http://escipub.com/american-journal-of-history-and-culture/ 5 Balaji Deekshitulu P V, AJHC, 2019; 2:9 divided into a number of minute anatomical function, and muscular control of waist, hip and units, which can either function individually or thigh. together in combinations. Kathakali dancers The movements in Kuchipudi are quicksilver make geometric patterns which are either and scintillating, rounded and fleet-footed. squares or rectangles and this is how they Kuchipudi dance is vachika abhinaya (based on cover space. This dance form includes jumps, dialogues) oriented. It also highlights the sweeps and leaps. The torso is used mostly as therapeutics as was followed one entire unit although sometimes it is treated in Natyashastra more than any other dance as two or three different units. With leg form in India. Each aspect of abhinaya or the extensions the dancers shift their weight from expressive means is given a detailed one foot to another. During these movements description in this dance. This dance requires they also perform elaborate facial gestures at proper body balance. The therapeutic effects of the same time. Unlike the other classical this dance form are embedded in its grace and dances, Kathakali places emphasis on fluid movements. The survey conducted with muscles. The movement of the facial muscles, the dancers showed strong effect of some like the eye-brows, the eye-balls and the lower muscles including rectus abdominis, abdominal eyelids, form an important part of a dancer’s external oblique, latissimus dorsi, gluteus training. maximus, etc. Odissi dance form is the tradition Mohiniattam is another traditional South Indian from Orissa state of India. Odissi dance is dance form originated from Kerala. It is a very composed of a rich variety of bhangi (the basic graceful dance form. Generally this dance form poses or movements of nritta) found mostly in is performed by women dancer as a solo the Hindu sculptures. This dance style mainly recital. The word Mohiniattam literally follows the tribhangi (three dimensional body means dance of the enchantress. There are gesture). The movement of the hips is a unique approximately 40 different basic movements, feature in Odissi while such movements are known as atavukal in Mohiniattam. The dance prohibited in the other dance forms. One of the involves the swaying of broad hips and the typical poses in Odissi is the natavara gentle movements of erect torso from side to bhangi or . In Odissi this is achieved side (Dutt, 2008; Sudhakar, 1994). The dancers by sharply deflecting the hips in one direction, show a good strength and control over different deflecting the torso in another and finally muscles like adductor muscles, quadriceps deflecting the head in the same direction as the femoris, soleus, tibialis posterior, peroneus hip. In this dance human body is divided into longus and so on. All these body movements, two halves with equal distribution of weight. body balancing, expression, muscle movement, Odissi repertoire consists of 36 types muscle constriction and relaxation have a of padaved (leg movement), seven types strong effect on therapeutic movements. of bhramari (spins), and different types of Therapeutic Value of Indian Folk Dances expression. This dance form includes various forms of sitting, walking, leaping and elevations Folk dances have a good deal with therapeutic that reinforce some of the basic therapeutic approaches. Every dance form has its own movements of the dance. Prolonged practice of style and is related to health problems. The this dance forms give a very good body shape, overall physical well being and capacity of good with thin waist and tender look, to female health is the prime importance for all types of dancers. During the present study it was noted folk dances, though it is mainly related with that the Odissi dancers have great lung mental enlistments. During long time practice in a particular type of dance form may cause changed physical effect to dancers. For AJHC: http://escipub.com/american-journal-of-history-and-culture/ 6 Balaji Deekshitulu P V, AJHC, 2019; 2:9 example, Bihu is the of Assam and it therawn regarding the effectiveness of DMT for is an aggressive dance performed by both boys depression. Larger trials of high methodological and girls. The powerful dance form of quality are needed to assess DMT for Punjab Bhangra also needs good health and depression, with economic analyses and proper body acceptability measures and for all age groups, movements. Gair and Geendad are folk dance Khandelwal H and Joshi U (2016)studied that forms of with almost military the increase in the level of emotional precision. Karagam is a folk dance of intelligence after NAVRAS Dance Therapy and Tamilnadu and it needs proper body balance. no specific changes seen in the level of Bengali folk dance like Chou, Rayabese, emotional intelligence when no intervention Dhali also needs proper body movement and conducted. strength. Any unfit posture in these or other Conclusion dances can cause hazards to the dancers. The As dance is mainly dealing with physical practice of these powerful dance forms movements, it has an immense role in health of Bhangra (Punjab), Karagam (Tamilnadu), Ch science as well as from the therapeutic point of ou, Rayabese, Dhali (Bengal) gives good view. Other cultural aspects like drama also physical health, strength, power and mental have such type of effect on human health, but support. The survey conducted with folk the exercise like dance needs much dancers revealed that these dancers are confidence, body control, regular practice and physically and mentally more fit than the non- proper movements. Any types of negligence or dancers of their locality. With the popularity it improper body movements may cause the helps them to gain self-esteem, self-confidence dancer to be injured or it can even become fatal and interest to learn to the young dancers. to the dancer. But by modulation in movements Thus many parents of folk culture are interested it can make glorious future to the dancers as to train their children to dance forms. It also well as dance itself. The breathing time and indirectly or directly helps in their educational muscular control are very important in these studies, too. regards. The age bar, accidental trauma, Therapeutic Value of Innovative Dances pregnancy, psychology, health hazard have Innovative dances have immense importance direct influence on the therapeutic value of for establishment of dance therapy in its actual dance. Dance therapy can prevent a person direction. As these kinds of dances are modern form some health hazards and may also help to and new, the proponents of such kinds have avoid unwanted problems. But for a wide knowledge on the developing science of dance application this topic should be highlighted by including therapeutic value. Different schools of Government Organizations, NGOs and public western world are now working in these sectors in forms of seminars, symposium, directions. The therapeutic approach of workshops, news, etc. to attract general innovative dance can be applicable in different people’s interest. diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, References coronary atherosclerosis, hypertension, 1. Blair, S.N., Cheng, Y. and Holder, S. “Is physical asthma, cardiac disease, anaemia, arthritis, activity or physical fitness more important in gynaecological problems, muscular cramps, defining health related benefits?” Medicine and diabetes, stress etc. conduct regular in Sport and Exercise, Vol. 2, (2001), therapy workshops to control diabetes, stress, pp. S379-398. obesity, healing tool for patients and to improve 2. Chatterjee, Arpita. “An analytical discussion on the folk and tribal dance forms of Bengal in physical and mental fitness. 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