Dance: A Powerful Tool for Holistic Health and Longevity
Sep 30, 2024 ● By Jerry Garcia, PA-C, and Raymond Wohl, BA, MA
Jerry Garcia & Raymond Wohl Photo courtesy of Chicago Male Clinic
Dance has long been celebrated for its ability to bring joy and social connection, but emerging research highlights its profound impact on holistic health. A comedian once joked, “Some people don’t have sex standing up because it could lead to dancing,” underscoring the playful yet transformative nature of dance. Beyond being a form of entertainment, dance serves as a powerful tool for improving physical and psychological well-being.
Recent studies, including analyses from the National Library of Medicine, reveal compelling evidence supporting dance as a form of holistic healing. The review examined 2,591 articles, focusing on dance interventions like ballroom dancing, salsa and cultural dances such as the Chinese Guozhuang dance and Native American jingle dance. These studies explored dance’s effects on depression, cognitive function, neuromotor function, dementia, balance, neurological growth factors and overall subjective well-being.
For elderly participants, typically 65 and older, dance significantly improved cognitive function, balance and emotional health. It enhanced physical fitness and contributed to brain volume, neuroplasticity and neurotrophic growth factors—crucial for maintaining mental acuity and delaying the onset of neurological disorders.
The benefits extend beyond the elderly. Dance interventions positively affected executive function in primary school children, indicating its advantages span all age groups. Regular dance practice was linked to better planning, problem-solving and complex task management.
For individuals with cognitive dysfunction, Parkinson’s disease or depression, dance therapy offered a promising adjunct to traditional treatments. The physical movements improved motor skills and balance, while the social aspects enhanced emotional and psychological well-being.
Overall, dance is more than just exercise; it’s a dynamic intervention fostering physical health and emotional resilience. Incorporating dance into daily life or therapeutic settings promotes longevity, better cognitive and neuromotor function, and greater well-being.
Jerry Garcia is the medical director and Raymond Wohl is the business manager and patient care coordinator of Chicago Male Clinic, located at 4801 W. Peterson Ave., Ste. 506, Chicago. For more information or to make an appointment, call 773-414-9900 or visit ChicagoMaleClinic.com.
