The Healing Potential of Belly Dance: Recovering from Illness Through an Ancient Art Form

Belly dancing was the key to my restorative process and to reclaiming my health

In August 2009, I was faced with a potentially terminal disease. While at a follow-up appointment for an emergency appendectomy, my doctor informed me that I had stage 4 appendix cancer. It was at that time I decided to manifest the life I really wanted and wrote it down in my journal. I was at age 33, and I decided that my life was just beginning. I was a professional belly dancer and mother of three little boys; the youngest of which was only 18 months old. I searched around and found another doctor who was an appendix cancer specialist based in San Diego, and I was determined to be one of his success stories. Over two years, I had multiple major surgeries and endured six months of chemotherapy. Twice I had left the hospital hunched over a walker, the second of which I didn’t have mobility in my left leg.

However, I had written five dance goals in my journal, and where I saw myself in five years. I decided I didn’t want to waste any more time. This became my top motivation for rebuilding myself as quickly as I did. I rebuilt myself over and over again, and continued to belly dance while undergoing chemo treatments. I realized that the benefits of belly dance are astronomical. It naturally encompasses the four levels of healing, which include: Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual. I experienced how powerful the healing potential of belly dance was by using it in my restorative process. This ancient art form was a way to motivate myself, create balance, and reclaim my health. I felt like a beautiful woman again, and it brought a sense of normalcy back into my life.  ?

Remember the five goals I wrote down five years ago? I accomplished them all including starring in an instructional belly dance DVD. Being a successful belly dancer and now a proud cancer survivor, I realized that my purpose was to share what I have learned through my experiences and to encourage others who are faced with similar circumstances. My DVD, "Belly Dance for Healing from Illness," was created for women who are experiencing now, or recovering from illness, injury, or other physically limiting conditions. This gentle, holistic workout is tailored to fit various stages of recovery. You can begin this program when you are ready to take control of your health and well-being. This program provides you with belly dance movements, as well as strength building, yoga, and relaxation exercises. You can use the mini workout sessions with multiple levels and stages at your own convenience, in the privacy of your own home, or in the company of family and friends.