Wholesome Living https://wholesome.living/ A Holistic Approach To Well-Being Sat, 03 May 2025 21:20:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 Healing with DMT https://wholesome.living/healing-with-dmt/ https://wholesome.living/healing-with-dmt/#respond Sat, 03 May 2025 20:29:27 +0000 https://wholesome.living/?p=2130 Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT), also known as dance therapy or movement therapy, is a form of psychotherapy that uses movement and dance as a way to support emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration of individuals. It's grounded in the idea that the mind and body are deeply interconnected, so expressing oneself physically can help process and heal psychological issues. Core Principles of DMT Body and Mind Are Interconnected Emotions are stored not only in the brain but also in the body. Through movement, individuals can access and express emotions that might be difficult to articulate verbally. Movement Is a Form of Communication Dance therapists observe posture, gestures, rhythm, and movement style to understand how a person is feeling. For example, someone who feels anxious might have jittery, tight, or restricted movements. Movement Can Promote Healing Moving in intentional ways can help release tension, increase body awareness, improve mood, and build healthier self-expression patterns. What Happens in a DMT Session? A typical session may include: Warm-up to get comfortable with movement. Structured and improvisational dance: Therapists may guide clients through specific movement activities or allow them to move freely to express emotions. Reflection and discussion: Clients are encouraged to talk about how they felt during movement to connect the physical experience with emotional understanding. Group or individual work: DMT can be done one-on-one or in a group setting, where interaction between participants adds a social healing component. No dance experience is required—it's about expression, not performance. Who Can Benefit? Dance/movement therapy can be beneficial for people dealing with: Anxiety, depression, PTSD Body image and eating disorders Grief or trauma Autism spectrum disorders Chronic pain or illness Neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s It’s used in a variety of settings—mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, rehab centers, and private practices. Scientific Backing and Training DMT is recognized by the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) and has a growing body of research behind it. Studies show it can reduce stress hormones, improve mood, and enhance social functioning. Dance/movement therapists are trained professionals, but you don't need to spend years in school to gain certification. Key Benefits Promotes emotional release Encourages nonverbal self-expression Builds self-esteem and confidence Enhances mindfulness and body awareness Strengthens social bonds, especially in group settings In short, Dance/Movement Therapy offers a holistic approach to mental health, using movement as both a diagnostic tool and a healing practice. It's especially powerful for people who struggle to express themselves verbally or who benefit from a body-centered therapeutic method. Let's dive into a few examples of Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) exercises, followed by how they’re tailored for specific conditions like trauma and autism. EXAMPLES OF DMT EXERCISES These are adaptable for individuals or groups, and can be scaled based on age, ability, and therapeutic goals: 1. Mirroring How it works: Two participants face each other. One leads with slow, expressive movements while the other mirrors them like a reflection. Purpose: Builds empathy, connection, and trust. Helps with emotional attunement and social bonding. 2. Body Part Isolation How it works: The therapist invites the client to explore movement using one body part at a time (e.g., just moving the hands, then the shoulders). Purpose: Increases body awareness, reveals areas of tension, and can surface hidden emotions associated with specific areas of the body. 3. Shape and Stillness How it works: The therapist prompts clients to form a shape or freeze in a position that represents a feeling (e.g., “Show me what anger looks like with your body”). Purpose: Helps identify and externalize emotions. Encourages nonverbal self-expression. 4. Group Circle Dance How it works: A group moves together in a circle, sometimes holding hands or moving in sync to music. Purpose: Fosters unity, belonging, and can be especially grounding for those with trauma or social anxiety. 5. Free Movement with Music How it works: Clients are encouraged to move freely to various types of music. Purpose: Supports emotional release, spontaneity, and connection to inner feelings. DMT for TRAUMA RECOVERY People who have experienced trauma often disconnect from their bodies (a response known as dissociation) or feel unsafe in their own skin. DMT provides a safe, structured environment to reconnect with the body and regulate emotions. Common trauma-focused approaches: Grounding movements (e.g., stamping, feeling feet on the floor) to help people return to the present moment. Rhythmic repetition to soothe the nervous system (e.g., rocking, gentle swaying). Contained expression: Rather than pushing for catharsis, movements are introduced slowly and safely so clients don’t get overwhelmed. Goal: Restore the sense of control, safety, and presence in the body. DMT for AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) For individuals on the spectrum, DMT is a powerful tool for improving social interaction, communication, motor coordination, and emotional awareness. Therapeutic focuses: Improvisational play: Encourages flexibility in movement and interaction. Structured movement games: Build routine while encouraging participation. Nonverbal communication practice: Enhances ability to read and send social cues through gestures and body language. Sensory regulation: Movements can be tailored to calm (e.g., slow sways) or energize (e.g., jumps or clapping rhythms) based on sensory needs. Goal: Support self-regulation, motor skills, and interpersonal skills through embodied learning. Summary Table Condition Key Focus Example Techniques Trauma Grounding, body safety, emotion regulation Rhythmic rocking, stomping, breath-based movement Autism Social skills, sensory regulation, emotional expression Mirroring games, structured dances, improvisation Depression/Anxiety Emotional expression, energy shifting Free movement, emotion shapes, group connection Chronic illness Body awareness, coping with pain, mood uplift Gentle stretches, breath-movement syncing 👉🏼The Movement Therapy Practitioner Certification Course is an innovative and comprehensive training program designed for individuals who are passionate about leveraging the power of movement as a therapeutic tool.

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Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT), also known as dance therapy or movement therapy, is a form of psychotherapy that uses movement and dance as a way to support emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration of individuals. It's grounded in the idea that the mind and body are deeply interconnected, so expressing oneself physically can help process and heal psychological issues.

Core Principles of DMT

  1. Body and Mind Are Interconnected
    Emotions are stored not only in the brain but also in the body. Through movement, individuals can access and express emotions that might be difficult to articulate verbally.
  2. Movement Is a Form of Communication
    Dance therapists observe posture, gestures, rhythm, and movement style to understand how a person is feeling. For example, someone who feels anxious might have jittery, tight, or restricted movements.
  3. Movement Can Promote Healing
    Moving in intentional ways can help release tension, increase body awareness, improve mood, and build healthier self-expression patterns.

What Happens in a DMT Session?

A typical session may include:

  • Warm-up to get comfortable with movement.
  • Structured and improvisational dance: Therapists may guide clients through specific movement activities or allow them to move freely to express emotions.
  • Reflection and discussion: Clients are encouraged to talk about how they felt during movement to connect the physical experience with emotional understanding.
  • Group or individual work: DMT can be done one-on-one or in a group setting, where interaction between participants adds a social healing component.

No dance experience is required—it's about expression, not performance.

Who Can Benefit?

Dance/movement therapy can be beneficial for people dealing with:

  • Anxiety, depression, PTSD
  • Body image and eating disorders
  • Grief or trauma
  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Chronic pain or illness
  • Neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s

It’s used in a variety of settings—mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, rehab centers, and private practices.

Scientific Backing and Training

DMT is recognized by the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) and has a growing body of research behind it. Studies show it can reduce stress hormones, improve mood, and enhance social functioning. Dance/movement therapists are trained professionals, but you don't need to spend years in school to gain certification.

Key Benefits

  • Promotes emotional release
  • Encourages nonverbal self-expression
  • Builds self-esteem and confidence
  • Enhances mindfulness and body awareness
  • Strengthens social bonds, especially in group settings

In short, Dance/Movement Therapy offers a holistic approach to mental health, using movement as both a diagnostic tool and a healing practice. It's especially powerful for people who struggle to express themselves verbally or who benefit from a body-centered therapeutic method.

Let's dive into a few examples of Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) exercises, followed by how they’re tailored for specific conditions like trauma and autism.

EXAMPLES OF DMT EXERCISES

These are adaptable for individuals or groups, and can be scaled based on age, ability, and therapeutic goals:

1. Mirroring

  • How it works: Two participants face each other. One leads with slow, expressive movements while the other mirrors them like a reflection.
  • Purpose: Builds empathy, connection, and trust. Helps with emotional attunement and social bonding.

2. Body Part Isolation

  • How it works: The therapist invites the client to explore movement using one body part at a time (e.g., just moving the hands, then the shoulders).
  • Purpose: Increases body awareness, reveals areas of tension, and can surface hidden emotions associated with specific areas of the body.

3. Shape and Stillness

  • How it works: The therapist prompts clients to form a shape or freeze in a position that represents a feeling (e.g., “Show me what anger looks like with your body”).
  • Purpose: Helps identify and externalize emotions. Encourages nonverbal self-expression.

4. Group Circle Dance

  • How it works: A group moves together in a circle, sometimes holding hands or moving in sync to music.
  • Purpose: Fosters unity, belonging, and can be especially grounding for those with trauma or social anxiety.

5. Free Movement with Music

  • How it works: Clients are encouraged to move freely to various types of music.
  • Purpose: Supports emotional release, spontaneity, and connection to inner feelings.

DMT for TRAUMA RECOVERY

People who have experienced trauma often disconnect from their bodies (a response known as dissociation) or feel unsafe in their own skin. DMT provides a safe, structured environment to reconnect with the body and regulate emotions.

Common trauma-focused approaches:

  • Grounding movements (e.g., stamping, feeling feet on the floor) to help people return to the present moment.
  • Rhythmic repetition to soothe the nervous system (e.g., rocking, gentle swaying).
  • Contained expression: Rather than pushing for catharsis, movements are introduced slowly and safely so clients don’t get overwhelmed.

Goal: Restore the sense of control, safety, and presence in the body.

DMT for AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)

For individuals on the spectrum, DMT is a powerful tool for improving social interaction, communication, motor coordination, and emotional awareness.

Therapeutic focuses:

  • Improvisational play: Encourages flexibility in movement and interaction.
  • Structured movement games: Build routine while encouraging participation.
  • Nonverbal communication practice: Enhances ability to read and send social cues through gestures and body language.
  • Sensory regulation: Movements can be tailored to calm (e.g., slow sways) or energize (e.g., jumps or clapping rhythms) based on sensory needs.

Goal: Support self-regulation, motor skills, and interpersonal skills through embodied learning.

Summary Table

Condition Key Focus Example Techniques
Trauma Grounding, body safety, emotion regulation Rhythmic rocking, stomping, breath-based movement
Autism Social skills, sensory regulation, emotional expression Mirroring games, structured dances, improvisation
Depression/Anxiety Emotional expression, energy shifting Free movement, emotion shapes, group connection
Chronic illness Body awareness, coping with pain, mood uplift Gentle stretches, breath-movement syncing

👉🏼The Movement Therapy Practitioner Certification Course is an innovative and comprehensive training program designed for individuals who are passionate about leveraging the power of movement as a therapeutic tool.

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]]> https://wholesome.living/healing-with-dmt/feed/ 0 Uncovering the Roots: A Holistic Approach to Autoimmune Disorders https://wholesome.living/uncovering-the-roots-a-holistic-approach-to-autoimmune-disorders/ https://wholesome.living/uncovering-the-roots-a-holistic-approach-to-autoimmune-disorders/#respond Fri, 18 Apr 2025 18:32:58 +0000 https://wholesome.living/?p=1760 👉🏽DOWNLOAD THE PDF Autoimmune conditions are on the rise, affecting millions of people globally. For many, the path to healing can feel like a confusing maze of symptoms, specialists, and prescriptions. But what if we stopped chasing symptoms and started uncovering root causes? What if healing was about bringing the whole body back into balance, physically, mentally, and emotionally? That’s the heart of my upcoming course, A Holistic Approach to Autoimmune Disorders. In this blog post, I’ll be walking you through 9 often-overlooked root causes that can contribute to autoimmune dysfunction. Understanding these factors is the first step in reclaiming your health. Whether you're newly diagnosed or years into your journey, this knowledge can help you make powerful, informed changes that support your body’s natural ability to heal. Let’s start with the first root cause: leaky gut. 1. Leaky Gut: The Gateway to Chronic Inflammation Your gut isn't just where food is digested. It's also where your immune system lives. In fact, around 70% of your immune cells are housed in the gut lining. When that lining becomes damaged, a condition known as “leaky gut” or intestinal permeability, it can let undigested food particles, toxins, and microbes leak into the bloodstream. The immune system sees these intruders and launches an attack. Over time, this constant immune activation can confuse the body, leading it to mistakenly attack its own tissues. This is one of the core mechanisms behind autoimmune disease. Common causes of leaky gut: Overuse of antibiotics or NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) Processed foods and refined sugars Chronic stress Imbalanced gut bacteria Gluten and other inflammatory foods Signs you may have a leaky gut: Bloating, gas, or IBS symptoms Skin issues like eczema or acne Food sensitivities Brain fog or fatigue Joint pain Healing the gut is often the first and most important step in addressing autoimmune disease holistically. This means removing irritants, repairing the gut lining with targeted nutrients, and restoring balance to the microbiome. Learn more in my 20 Module course, Holistic Approaches to Gut Health. 2. Food Sensitivities: When “Healthy” Foods Hurt Food is supposed to nourish us. But for someone with an autoimmune condition, even foods that are technically healthy can trigger inflammation and make symptoms worse. This is because of something called food sensitivities—a delayed, immune-mediated reaction to certain foods that your body starts to perceive as threats. Unlike a food allergy, which can cause immediate and severe reactions, food sensitivities often show up hours or even days after eating. That delay makes them tricky to spot, but they can silently contribute to ongoing immune system activation and inflammation. What causes food sensitivities? Food sensitivities are often the result of leaky gut. When the gut lining is compromised, food particles can enter the bloodstream before they’re fully broken down. The immune system, always on guard, sees these particles as invaders and creates antibodies against them. Over time, this can lead to a long list of sensitivities—even to foods you’ve eaten your whole life without issue. Common culprits include: Gluten Dairy (especially casein) Soy Eggs Corn Nightshades (like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant) Nuts and seeds (for some people) Signs you might have food sensitivities: Digestive issues (bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea) Headaches or migraines Skin problems (rashes, hives, eczema) Joint or muscle pain Fatigue and brain fog Anxiety or mood swings How to identify them: While food sensitivity tests can offer some clues, they're not always reliable. One of the most effective ways to uncover your personal triggers is through an elimination diet—a short-term, strategic plan where you remove common offenders and then reintroduce them one at a time to observe how your body reacts. This isn’t about restriction for the sake of restriction. It’s about giving your body a break from foods that may be keeping it in a state of constant inflammation. Once the gut is healed and the immune system calms down, many people find they can tolerate more foods again. Quick Recap: Food Sensitivities Often caused by leaky gut and immune overactivation Symptoms can appear hours or days later, making them hard to pinpoint Elimination diets are a powerful tool for identifying triggers 3. Chronic Infections: The Hidden Burden on Your Immune System We tend to think of infections as something short-term, like a cold or flu. But many people with autoimmune conditions are dealing with low-grade, chronic infections that linger under the surface. These infections may not cause obvious symptoms, but they keep the immune system on constant alert, like a smoke alarm that never stops. Over time, this ongoing immune activation can confuse the body and cause it to target its own tissues—a core issue in autoimmunity. Common chronic infections linked to autoimmunity: Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Candida overgrowth Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) Tick-borne illnesses (Lyme, Babesia, Bartonella) How they contribute to autoimmune conditions: Chronic infections create inflammation and sometimes molecular mimicry, where the body confuses its own tissues with the pathogen. For example, EBV has been linked to Hashimoto’s and MS, candida overgrowth can worsen psoriasis, and SIBO is common in rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease. Signs of a chronic infection: Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest Brain fog or poor memory Muscle or joint pain Frequent sore throats or swollen glands Skin flare-ups or rashes Symptoms that worsen after stress or illness What helps: Support your immune system with rest, nutrition, and stress reduction. Then, work with a practitioner to gently address chronic infections using immune support, gut healing, and herbal therapies if needed. Quick Recap: Chronic Infections Low-level infections can keep the immune system in overdrive Linked to many autoimmune conditions through inflammation and mimicry Gentle detox and immune support are key 4. Nutrient Deficiencies: When the Body Doesn’t Have the Tools to Heal Imagine trying to build a house without wood, nails, or a solid foundation. That’s what healing is like without key nutrients. Even with a healthy diet, nutrient deficiencies are common in autoimmune conditions and can seriously slow your

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👉🏽DOWNLOAD THE PDF

Autoimmune conditions are on the rise, affecting millions of people globally. For many, the path to healing can feel like a confusing maze of symptoms, specialists, and prescriptions. But what if we stopped chasing symptoms and started uncovering root causes? What if healing was about bringing the whole body back into balance, physically, mentally, and emotionally?

 

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