Dance, therapy to many health conditions – Expert

Dr. Patrick Ezie, a medical expert, says that ‘dance’ is a form of therapy that can help in decreasing depression, anxiety, and muscle pain and boosting the quality of one’s life.

He said this on the sidelines of the 2023 National Unity Dance Festival, organized by the Drum Majors for Peace, a unity campaign group, in Abuja.

Supreme reports that the event was organized in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture, the Social Development Secretariat, the FCT, and the National Troupe of Nigeria.

Supreme also reports that the theme of the event is “Dance: Gateway to Nigeria’s Cultural Integration and Development.

Ezie, who is the Chief Medical Director, Silver Cross Hospital, Abuja, said that dance movement therapy has been helpful in boosting the physical and mental health of people with various illnesses.

“Dancing itself is that basic essence of being African that we have inherited, and for years to come, we will still be dancing.

“It is not a way of communicating our culture; it is a way of exercising and living healthy lives.

“Research has shown that dance can be used to reduce stress, fears, and anxieties.

“It can also be used to reduce feelings of isolation, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, body tension, chronic pain, and depression.

“For a very long time, Africans have shown great fitness from past generations, and one of those things medical experts have kicked against is for people to live a sedentary lifestyle.

“For instance, sitting at a spot for a long time, so dance itself is medicine for a lot of illnesses; when you move your body, it shakes up a lot of things that can cause a lot of problems if you remain in one place,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr. Nsikan Paul, Executive Director of Drums Majors for Peace, said the event was aimed at galvanizing creativity in the entertainment industry to promote positive values, peace, and unity in the country.

He said that the event was also organized to commemorate this year’s “World Dance Day,” celebrated annually on April 29.

Paul added that dance, which has remained a potential asset for peacebuilding, friendship, and appreciation of cultural values, among others, can be adopted by the government to promote peace in the country.

Supreme reports that the event featured cultural displays by different ethnic groups as well as the bestowment of awards on some distinguished personalities for their outstanding roles and contributions to nation-building.

Some of the awardees include Dr. Patrick Ezie, Chief Medical Director, Silver Cross Hospital, Abuja, and Mrs. Dayo Benjamins-Laniyi, a politician, among others.