Rhythm and movement are more than just art forms. They play a great role in healing the mind, body, and spirit. It has been proven time and again that this combination reduces stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins. These art forms are perfect for self-expression and promoting confidence. There are many stories about people benefiting from rhythm and movement and leading happy and healthy lives. There is a sense of achievement as you practice these art forms. Dr Uzo Nwankpa, a first-generation immigrant from Nigeria, explores the beauty of these art forms and speaks about how they are a good way to release negative emotions like anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma from the body and feel good all over again.
Living away from her family and country, Dr Uzo speaks of experiencing stress and trauma. She shares the difficulties of adjusting to the new environment and how she put on weight with the unhealthy lifestyle she was living. She decided to take care of her healing, and she turned to what made her happy. The cultural and traditional practices of her Igbo heritage, the rhythm of her ancestral beats, and dance gave her immense happiness, and she found solace in them. Dr Uzo decided to use them for herself, and the reconnection with her roots did wonders for her. She realized the power of these two art forms and started to look for ways it would benefit others. This paved the way for the Uzo Method, a structured approach she began to combine rhythm and movement to heal others.
How Music and Movement Transform Trauma
According to neuroarts research, rhythmic movement and music regulate the nervous system, calm the amygdala, and support emotional stability. These practices stimulate neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire after trauma, and engage both hemispheres for memory integration. Group music or dance increases oxytocin, fostering connection and healing through co-regulation.
The art forms, dance, and music are good ways to bring individuals and communities together and ease burdens. Dr Uzo Nwankpa’s understanding of this through her personal experience encouraged her to use these as tools for healing and mental well-being. One need not be a professional to dance and sing. Put on the music and groove to the beats; it can give immense joy and satisfaction. It is not about just moving the body; dance and music activate the brain and are good for agility, focus, memory, and mobility.
Dr Uzo Nwankpa highlights the importance of movement, rhythm, and storytelling through her Uzo Method, the RICHER Model, and Wellness Promoters LLC. Dancing and singing release happy hormones, and it is a good way to reduce anxiety and stress and feel happy. The Uzo Method is about the mind, body, and soul connection. As she puts it in her own words, “This project aims to increase awareness of holistic healing practices that include the physical, social, mental, and spiritual aspects of wellness.” The RICHER Model is all about making life richer. Moving to the beats and rhythm is helpful to connect to something larger, and it not only awakens the soul but also soothes the mind and helps to move the body. This 5-way method heals individuals and healthcare workers using movement, rhythm, and storytelling. At Wellness Promoters LLC, Dr Uzo gives her clients culturally inclusive healing methods.
Many types of dances can be tried, and you can either go to a studio or dance in your living room, and let go of anxiety and stress by dancing and singing. Dr Uzo Nwankpa takes full advantage of the healing powers of these art forms, and her innovative solutions to promote health and wellbeing by infusing culture and traditions have proven to be successful with individuals and within communities. Feeling stressed, experiencing burnout symptoms, or going through trauma? Dr Uzo Nwankpa has the best methods to deal with them, infusing cultural and traditional methods and expressive art forms.