Creative Arts Educ Ther (2023) 9(2):180–194
DOI: 10.15212/CAET/2023/9/18
Chakra Awareness through Dance Movement Therapy
通过舞蹈动作治疗认识脉轮
Tripura Kashyap1, Karishma Arora2,3, Anubha Doshi3,4*
and Karishma Harlalka3,4
1
Creative Movement Therapy Association of India, India
2
University of Delhi, South Campus, India
3
Soulsphere, India
4
Artsphere, India
Abstract
This article introduces a novel approach to holistic healing by integrating dance movement therapy with the Indian chakra system. The multidimensional chakra-imbued therapeutic movement
sequence model, created by the authors, addresses the intricate balance of and among the seven
chakras: root (muladhara), sacral (svadhisthana), solar plexus (manipura), heart (anahata),
throat (vishuddha), third eye (ajna), and the crown (sahasrara). The model facilitates the awareness of energy centers and has the transformative potential to foster stability and resilience. The
article highlights the efficacy of this model by illuminating customized, chakra-specific movement sequences that include body preparatory activities, movements metaphors, embodiment
exercises, expressive movement, voice work, tapping, self-massage, eye movement sequence,
visual imagery and art, yoga breathwork, and meditation alongside verbal reflection. This innovative approach, which is successfully adapted to online and offline studio spaces, offers a rich
potential to build and develop body-self awareness and leads individuals toward sustaining and
enhancing physical, cognitive, and emotional wellness within themselves.
Keywords: dance movement therapy (DMT), chakra system, chakra-imbued therapeutic movement,
resilience
摘要
本文介绍了一种将舞蹈动作治疗与印度脉轮系统相结合的整体治疗新方法。由作者创
建的多维脉轮治疗动作序列模型,解决了七个脉轮之间错综复杂的平衡问题:根轮
(muladhara)、骶轮(svadhisthana)、太阳神经丛(manipura)、心轮(anahata)、喉轮
(vishuddha)、第三眼轮(ajna)和冠轮(sahasrara)。该模型有助于觉察能量中心,并具
有促进稳定性和复原力的转化潜能。文章通过阐明定制的、针对脉轮的运动序列:包括
身体准备活动、动作隐喻、具身化练习、表达性动作、声音练习、拍打、自我按摩、眼
部运动序列、视觉意象和艺术、瑜伽呼吸法、冥想以及言语反思,强调了这种模式的功
效。这种创新方法成功地适用于线上和线下工作室空间,为建立和发展身体-自我意识
提供了丰富的可能性,并引导个人保持并增强身体、认知和情绪方面的健康。
关键词: 舞蹈动作治疗(DMT), 脉轮系统, 脉轮辅助治疗性动作, 复原力
Creative Arts in Education and Therapy – Eastern and Western Perspectives – Vol. 9, Issue 2, December 2023.
© 2023 Inspirees International.
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Introduction
The American Dance Therapy Association defines dance movement therapy (DMT) as “the
psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive and physical
integration of the individual, for the purpose of improving health and well-being (American
Dance Therapy Association, n.d., Defining Dance/Movement Therapy section, para. 1).”
In India, DMT is defined by the Creative Movement Therapy Association of India
(CMTAI, 2018) as follows, “Dance Movement Therapy uses the psychotherapeutic
framework to strengthen the mind-body interlink in individuals. Therapists engage with
clients by utilising their personal movement language as well as elements from Indian
physical traditions to enhance mental health and wellness of people. DMT contributes
positively to each person’s physical, emotional, cognitive, social and behavioural facets.”
DMT empowers individuals to delve into and liberate deep-seated emotions and
memories, using movement to improve overall health and wellness. This process usually
unfolds across five distinct phases within therapeutic interactions: movement seeding,
movement exploration, movement as expression, resolution, and finally, integration of
the therapeutic model into daily life (Kashyap et al., 2022). DMT provides a holistic and
creative mode of intervention for the treatment of mental health issues. As a therapeutic
modality, DMT effectively treats adults with depression and anxiety (Ritter & Low, 1996;
Karkou et al., 2019). Ryff and Singer (2003) define resilience as “maintenance, recovery,
or improvement in mental or physical health following challenge.” Resilient responses
to adversity are common across the lifespan—a phenomenon Ann Masten (2001) calls
“ordinary magic.” A unique benefit of DMT lies in its capacity to foster resilience through
shared movement experiences and improve symptoms such as avoidance and dissociation
associated with exposure to trauma (Payne et al., 2019; Tomaszewski et al., 2023).
The chakra system constitutes a seven-level philosophical framework of the human
body, representing spiritual energy embodied within its physical realm. Although not
physically tangible, chakras significantly impact the body’s functioning, akin to emotions
influencing physiological responses. Like emotions affecting breathing and heart rate,
chakras influence body composition, persistent physical ailments, cognitive patterns,
and behavior. We can influence our chakras and health by employing techniques such
as yoga, meditation, and bioenergetics (Judith, 2017). A study by Kumar and Valliamma
(2015) focusing on endocrine glands and universal fields was conducted on 11th-grade
students. The study showed that after a period of 6 months, people who had been using a
nine-center meditation of simplified kundalini yoga (kundalini practices are inherent in
advanced chakra system practices) demonstrated improved body mass index, academic
achievement, emotional balance, and decreased pulse, blood pressure, and thought
frequencies, indicating favorable effects on physiological and psychological processes.
However, the studies in DMT have yet to thoroughly investigate the potential impact of
integrating chakra exploration, which could enhance our understanding of combining
the psychological and therapeutic benefits of the two modalities.
Chakras could be blocked due to trauma, cultural conditioning, or injuries, impacting
posture, breathing, metabolism, emotions and beliefs. These blockages impede personal
growth, necessitating an acknowledgement for resolution (Judith, 2012, 2017).
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The objective is to clean the chakras of old, non-beneficial patterns of functioning
so that their actions can have a positive impact on us and our life energy can continue to
expand. A closed chakra represents a persistent avoidance of specific energies, whereas
an overly open chakra signifies a chronic fixation. These imbalances lead to chakra
deficiencies through avoidance and excesses of overcompensation. Addressing this,
excessive chakras require energy release, whereas deficient chakras necessitate energy
reception (Judith, 2012).
Seasoned yoga and chakra practitioners emphasize the role of targeted physical
exercises to balance the chakras. In fact, DMT consists of activities that can be
modified and effectively support in relaxing and experiencing the presence of these
energy centers. Simultaneously, verbal psychotherapy is pivotal in this process, delving
into emotions and values associated with each chakra and subsequently integrating
these insights into one’s physiology and behavior. To initiate this process, preliminary
yoga based warm-ups and movement-building sequences are done as preparation prior
to addressing each chakra with customized movement patterns.
Here, it would be essential to make a distinction between ancient and modern ecstatic
dance practices that exist in different cultures around the world, and the practices
that have been compiled and interwoven by the authors to create the seven-chakraspecific movement experience through DMT. Ecstatic dances then can simply be seen
as consisting of freestyle movement where one abandons structure and choreography
in favor of music and rhythm as guides in dancing. In the authors’ context, the use
of movement has been researched through intense bodily practices to experience and
become aware of each chakra, individually and in relation to each other. The authors are
also not touching upon kundalini practices or meditations and dance, as those are the
advanced practices that one undertakes after activating the chakras with the intention
of working toward enlightenment and awakening. In our work, we are focusing on
the therapeutic possibilities that open up alongside the awareness of chakras through
semi-prescribed movement structures. This is done without integrating complexities
and obscurities of the ancient Hindu tantric texts, shashtras, and so on, which may be
difficult and too advanced for a beginner to comprehend. Having made this distinction,
it is still important to note that kundalini, meditation practices, yoga asanas, and the
chakra system are all inextricably linked. They are laid out as interconnected pathways
to enlightenment and samadhi according to various ancient Hindu texts, Upanishads,
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, and more. The scope of the current article prevents us from
going in-depth into each of these.
During the period of undertaking this informal research, the authors after undergoing
sitting practices and movement meditation for the seven chakras, physically improvised,
created and practiced different sets of movement patterns for each chakra, plotted them
in space, layered them with different movement qualities, and finally structured them
to be offered to group participants and individual clients. DMT therefore supported the
task of accessing the powerful yet subtle chakras embedded in the complex network
of energy systems in the body, through a structured and guided improvisation-based
practice while leveraging therapeutic, creative, and expressive movement to strengthen
the crucial mind-body connection. For example, participants could experience the idea
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of “rootedness” in the muladhara or root chakra (which is responsible for experiencing
oneself as a purely physical being), when the facilitator led them into using their feet,
legs, and base of their spine in different movement sequences addressed to the earth.
Through this purely embodied experience, participants felt connected to and
supported by the earth they were walking on (just like a tree or plant) with a deep focus
on their mind-body-spirit continuum. This is akin to “grounding” in psychotherapy to
bring attention to the legs through which one feels the support of the floor. This practice
aids clients, particularly patients with trauma, to practice a form of body resourcing to
build physical, mental, and emotional resilience. Similarly, the other chakras are engaged
through specific movement patterns to become activated and function harmoniously
in relation to each other, in turn changing our relationship with our bodies and our
environment for the better.
Mindful movement-based activities from DMT bring participants into the present
moment, prompting a sense of centeredness. Movements support them in their journey
to either travel from inside-out (inner feelings or thoughts being expressed toward space
or other people) or outside-in to traverse the body internally, from the toes to the head.
Participants have become conscious of each chakra through movement (our universal
language that everyone can speak) combined with the stillness of sitting meditative
experiences (home-grown on Indian soil through different spiritual practices). In DMTinspired chakra work, verbal dialogue and introspection are also interspersed with
movement experiences to understand the wisdom of the body and consider our body as
a somatic resource to learn to listen to what is transpiring within the body.
Chakra System
Chakras are wheel-like energy centers located on the etheric or the subtle body on the
spine. They are swirling intersections of vital life forces, and each chakra represents
an aspect of consciousness essential to life. Together, the seven major chakras form
a profound formula for wholeness that integrates mind-body-spirit. They are the
organizing centers for the reception, assimilation, and transmission of life energies.
Just as the different centers in our brain have different functions (perception, speech,
movement, cognition, and so on) each chakra regulates particular aspects or systems of
our physical body (Sharamon & Baginski, 2015).
Chinese medicinal traditions talk about meridians (similar to the intricate system
of the nadis in yoga), which function as energy pathways, coursing through connective
tissue (fascia) and profoundly influencing the well-being of our organs, emotions, and
thoughts. In the yogic tradition, chakras serve as controllers of these meridians. If there
is an imbalance in the chakra that regulates that meridian, the meridian can come out
of balance, which has a knock-on effect on our health (EkhartYoga, n.d.). Some of the
major fascial networks coincide with the major chakras and meridians if one were to
take out similarities and try to locate them on the body physically.
The human framework contains energy or pranic centers referred to as chakras,
which are numerous in each individual. Functioning beyond the realm of ordinary
perception, these chakras oversee the intricate circulation of prana (life force) throughout
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the entirety of the human body. Although conventionally translated as wheel or circle,
the term “chakra” finds a more nuanced interpretation within the context of yoga as
vortex or whirlpool. These discreet energy centers, often allegorically associated with
lotus flowers and occasionally termed padma, are strategically situated to regulate the
intricate flow of vital life force (Saraswati, 2013).
1. Muladhara: Muldhara (root) chakra resides at the spine’s base. It is associated
with the color red, the sense of smell, and the earth element. Its seed/beej mantra
is LAM. It aims for stability, grounding, and physical health (Judith, 2012;
Sharamon & Baginski, 2015). An overactive root chakra can lead to resistance
to change, obesity, greediness, or obsession with security and focus on only self
with a disregard for others. Conversely, an underactive one can cause indiscipline,
underweight, fatigue, inability to accomplish goals, and lack of supportive
relationships (Judith, 2017).
2. Svadhisthana: Svadhisthana (sacral) chakra resides below the navel. It is
associated with the color orange, the sense of taste, and the water element. Its
seed/beej mantra is VAM. It aims for fluidity, pleasure, and sexuality (Judith,
2012; Sharamon & Baginski, 2015). An overactive sacral chakra can lead to
poor boundaries, sex addiction, and an overly emotional existence. Conversely,
an underactive one can cause impotency, frigidity, fear of pleasure, and emotional
numbness (Judith, 2017).
3. Manipura: Manipura chakra resides above the navel (solar plexus). It is
associated with the color yellow or golden, the sense of sight, and the fire
element. Its seed/beej mantra is RAM. It aims for vitality, strength of will,
purpose, and self-esteem (Judith, 2012; Sharamon & Baginski, 2015). An
overactive solar plexus chakra can lead to dominating, controlling, and aggressive
tendencies. Conversely, inadequate functioning can make one feel dejected and
discouraged (Judith, 2017).
4. Anahata: Anahata (heart) chakra resides in the center of the chest (or heart
area). It is associated with the colors green, pink, and gold, the sense of touch,
and the air element. Its seed/beej mantra is YAM. It aims for balance, compassion,
and self-acceptance (Judith, 2012; Sharamon & Baginski, 2015). An overactive
heart chakra can lead to poor boundaries, codependency, and feelings of jealousy.
Conversely, an underactive one can cause loneliness, lack of empathy, and
feeling shy and critical (Judith, 2017).
5. Vishuddha: Vishuddha (throat) chakra resides in the center of the throat. It is
associated with the colors pale blue, silver, or greenish blue, the sense of sound,
and the ether element. Its seed/beej mantra is HAM. It aims for clear
communication, creativity, and resonance (Judith, 2012; Sharamon & Baginski,
2015). An overactive throat chakra can lead to excessive talking, inability to
listen, and stuttering. Conversely, an underactive one can cause fear of speaking,
poor rhythm, and aphasia (Judith, 2017).
6. Ajna: Ajna (third eye) chakra resides in between the eyebrows. It is associated
with the colors indigo, yellow, or violet, the sixth sense, and the element of light.
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Its seed/beej mantra is OM. It aims for accurate interpretation, imagination, and
clear seeing (Judith, 2012; Sharamon & Baginski, 2015). An overactive thirdeye chakra can lead to headaches, nightmares, hallucinations, delusions, and
difficulty concentrating. Conversely, an underactive one can cause poor memory,
vision, and denial (Judith, 2017).
7. Sahasrara: Sahasrara (crown) chakra resides at the head’s top (roughly the
cerebral cortex). It is associated with the colors violet, white and gold, the sense
of thought, and the akash or universal/astral light element. Its seed/beej mantra
is AUM. It aims for wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual connection (Judith, 2012;
Sharamon & Baginski, 2015). An overactive crown chakra can lead to
dissociation, spiritual addiction, and overly intellectual tendencies. Conversely,
an underactive one can cause learning difficulties, limited beliefs, spiritual
skepticism, and apathy (Judith, 2017).
With the sahasrara chakra awakening, all other chakra blockages dissolve, and energies
vibrate at the highest possible frequencies. The chakras are linked with the science and
practice of yoga. The word “yoga” means to connect, unite, or “yoke” (Sharamon &
Baginski, 2015). We look to connect to the true self, also known as the “divine essence,”
“ultimate self,” atman, or soul. In Indian philosophy, the journey of a human is from
being a mortal to recognizing the divine within; the goal is to attain moksha, meaning
liberation or freedom.
The true self is realized when all the chakras are awakened and one becomes one
with the divine or the highest universal energy, and the individual ego then transforms
into the universal ego (Judith, 2017).
Chakra-imbued Therapeutic Movement Sequence Model
Background and Setting
The proponents of this study, Tripura Kashyap, Anubha Doshi, and Karishma Harlalka,
have ingeniously conceived the notion of amalgamating the traditional chakra system
with the contemporary domain of DMT. Drawing upon their extensive experiences as
practitioners of chakra healing and movement-based expressive arts therapy in India,
Kashyap and Doshi have woven their expertise with the profound tenets of Asian
philosophies.
The authors worked informally with more than 100 participants across virtual
and in-person spaces. In some online modules, participants signed up for the 3-day
workshops to experience the unique confluence of movement, art, sound, and
meditation to experience their chakras. They have also worked with students of
DMT courses and individual clients using the “chakra mediation dance” as part
of their teaching and therapy sessions. Each chakra was introduced first through
a meditation related to it, followed by a specific warm-up and then a core activity
corresponding to the chakra’s presence, emotional content, and the psychological
manifestations connected to it. Toward the closure of each chakra segment, many
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participants felt certain sensations in different body parts corresponding to the
location of each chakra on the body. Some felt a relief, while for others, it was
overwhelming to work with that particular chakra, indicating a probable imbalance
in the chakra. Some symptoms of imbalance as reported by the participants were
nausea, an overwhelming feeling, a sense of body disassociation as well as being out
of the physical body.
The participants, composed of individuals who voluntarily joined the workshop and
a few individual clients of Kashyap, were recruited through informal means, including
convenience sampling, between March 2021 and March 2023. Informed consent
was obtained from the clients after explaining the informal study and its purpose.
The predominant demographic was female, with ages spanning from 20 to 50 years.
The participant profile was notably diverse, encompassing varied vocations such as
students, coaches, counselling psychologists, yoga instructors, dancers, dance therapists
in training, and engineers. Representing middle to upper-middle class income groups,
the participants hailed from various parts of India, contributing to a geographically
diverse sample.
This informal study drew upon comprehensive verbal reflections and observations
documented during the sessions, supplemented by structured post-session open-ended
questionnaires to collect written feedback. Participants were verbally informed and
consented to the use of their subjective experiences for purposes of this informal
research, ensuring confidentiality and data anonymization.
The meticulously designed movement sequences invited participants to go on an
immersive journey of self-observation, discovery, and connection, through the lens
of the seven chakras. Movement, visualization, and introspection were interwoven to
facilitate an in-depth exploration of the intricate interplay between the physical body
and the realm of consciousness—to promote balance, resilience, and inner strength.
The idea was to use these developed movement sequences as a means of “self-care,”
to release stress and anxiety alongside energizing one’s body. The chakra-DMT model
can be used as a potent tool for self-regulation and self-reflection. It could become
another channel that participants can access to lead calmer lives while enhancing
mental alertness and attunement to their inner being enabling centered internal and
external interactions.
Body Preparatory Sequences
Following a comprehensive warm-up encompassing isolated body parts movements and
cohesive whole-body motions, participants embarked on a series of movement-building
and development activities. Within this phase, they accessed their individual movement
lexicon by engaging in activities centered around body shapes and transitional motions,
adeptly utilizing varying levels and directions in their surrounding space. Additionally,
participants explored diverse movement qualities inspired by Laban principles to play
with and bring contrasts into their movement language. Throughout, participants were
guided to cultivate a heightened state of awareness, maintaining keen observance of the
emergent connections in the body-mind continuum.
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Root Chakra (muladhara)—Grounding with the Earth Element
Commencing with a metaphorical exploration, participants went through a kinesthetic
journey embodying the metaphor of a “tree” through movement improvisation. This
movement experience was aimed at evoking a profound sense of rootedness and
grounded ascension, within the spatial realm, effectively emulating the growth of
branches and trunk. Particular emphasis was placed on the dynamic engagement of the
lower body, intensifying its connection to the earth’s energy via purposeful movements.
After this experiential phase, participants transitioned seamlessly into an artistic
expression, encapsulating their journey through the medium of visual art.
In the next segment, participants transitioned into a diverse array of seated postures
and configurations—each transition punctuated by deliberate expanding and contracting
body shapes. During this phase, participants keenly attuned themselves to the earth’s
supportive presence, enabling a heightened awareness of its role in bolstering specific
regions of the body. This unity with the earth’s energy was sustained as participants
ascended into vertical standing positions and related to the floor in various ways with
their feet. Their deliberate motions encompassed slow walks in diverse directions, fluid
glides across the floor, attuned body balancing on varied regions of the feet, weight
shifts from one leg to another, bouncing their bodies in gentle rhythms with bent knees
on parallel feet, and stamping their feet to rhythmic music, all the while befriending the
earth. The overarching goal was to bring about an intimate connection with the earth’s
steadfast solidity, thus nurturing a profound affinity between the self and the supportive
grounding forces of the earth.
This experience has the potential to draw energy from the earth and support a
resilient body by instilling a tangible bond with the earth, symbolizing unwavering
support and serving as a poignant metaphor for life’s challenges, amid the feeling of
belonging in the physical realm and rooting in the physical body. Such embodiment of
stability and growth, rooted in mindful movement, holds promise for nurturing inner
strength and adaptability.
Sacral Chakra (svadhisthana)—Flowing with Water Element
In this segment, participants became the essence of water, commencing with moving
their hands gently in a flowy wave-like manner and sequentially extending the same
motion to other body parts to embody ripples and waves of different kinds and
intensities. With closed eyes, they embodied the fluidity and softness of water, evoking
a sense of being encompassed and filled by its presence. Upon reopening their eyes,
participants further engaged with this fluidity and let their movements flow into varied
directions in space. Subsequently, participants engaged in a free association exercise to
harmonize words and movements to express their identity (Who they were?), emotions
(How they felt?), possessions (What they had?), capabilities (What they could do?), and
aspirations (What they wanted in their lives for themselves?). This endeavor facilitated
an intimate connection with their personal needs and desires while also asserting their
place as stakeholders in the world.
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The profound synergy between the water element and this activity highlighted
the ability to access and purify emotional, physical, and social barriers—facilitating
growth. This process of embracing fluidity and transformation enhances resilience by
encouraging adaptive self-expression and allowing the release of blockages.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)—Igniting with Fire Element
Participants underwent a creative visualization in which they envisioned warm sunlight
enveloping their entire bodies. They embraced this radiance by initially exploring
a small kinesphere around them with their hands, akin to an aura, which expanded
to a larger kinesphere and eventually to broad, expansive movements. Guided by
visualizations such as “the sun shines for you, on you, within you, around you, at you,
over you, under you, into you and through you,” they were able to harness the sun’s
vitality within their being.
In the latter half of the activity, participants channeled this accumulated sun energy
into their movements, propelling it outward in various directions through their palms and
fingers, set to rhythmic music. This dynamic enactment highlighted the potent force of
sun/fire/heat elements, symbolizing the positive energy radiating into space and shared
with others in their lives. Through this process of harnessing and disseminating the
fire’s energy, akin to the sun’s metaphorical power, participants fortified their personal
power and invigorated their physical bodies.
This embodiment of gathering energy and sharing it echoes the concept of resilience,
reflecting the capacity to draw forth inner strength and distribute it outward—especially
when life throws challenges at us. Just as the sun’s energy disperses in all directions,
participants learn to embrace these challenges, transform them into positive forces, and
illuminate their lives and those around them.
Heart Chakra (Anahata)—Balancing with Air Element
This segment focused on activating the heart chakra, nurturing self-love, and the
expression of love toward others. Initially, participants observed their palms, hands,
and fingers, moving them in deliberate slow motion, cultivating a sense of gratitude and
love for these functional, creative and expressive parts of their being. Through mindful
movement, they developed an ability to cherish their hands, embracing their beauty
while in motion, interspersed with stillness.
Participants also used their palms to envelop their bodies in a metaphorical “garment
of love.” By touching and feeling each part of their bodies, they associated words like
tenderness, kindness, and support, effectively nurturing a profound connection with
themselves. This experience culminated with both palms resting on the heart center,
breathing in love and breathing out love. After rubbing their palms gently, they made
a small, imaginary ball of love energy with their palms and played with it in space,
making it bigger and bigger, where it enveloped all the people they loved. This practice
of channeling love outward and within, led to the creation of spiraling energy fields
with the gentle motion of their arms flowing through space. The group also sent out love
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to each person in the group individually, expressing love through their entire bodies,
especially using hand gestures and facial expressions.
This practice not only underscores the cultivation of self-love and compassionate
energy toward others but also resonates with the concept of resilience through loving
kindness. By cultivating an expansive, outward-directed flow of love, participants
created a powerful inner strength—a force that can navigate challenges with compassion,
rekindle spirits, and support both themselves and others during times of adversity.
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)—Expressing with ether Element
During the initial part of this phase, participants engaged in a series of voice and breath
centric activities. To explore their vocal range, they sang the seven basic Indian classical
musical notes (sa, re, ga, ma,…), delving into diverse pitches and tones. Guided by their
palms moving upward and downward, they traversed the “aarohan and avarohan” (Indian
musical notes in ascending and descending order of scale), establishing a connection
between their voices and breathing patterns. In further vocal exploration, participants
ventured into playful improvisation with gibberish sounds, partaking in a “follow the
leader” exercise to echo one another’s verbal sounds. They eventually created varied
movement patterns in relation to different vocal sounds, creating a landscape of soundmovement sequences. Once they became comfortable with making different sounds,
they learned to say “yes” and “no” to each other with different feelings, tones and
intensities, involving the body if the need arose. As a culmination, the “triangle of truth”
activity emerged, prompting participants to vocalize and share their past, present, and
future life narratives through a verbal-physical synchronous activity. This engagement
with their individual voices, housed within the throat chakra, illuminated their pivotal
role in articulating thoughts, emotions, needs, and desires within the group dynamic.
This kind of voice work combined with body gestures encapsulates a microcosm
of resilience-building, enhances creative self-expression and fortifies one’s capacity to
communicate and navigate life’s complexities. This empowerment, akin to a resonant
note, emerges as a harmonious thread that weaves through the tapestry of personal and
collective resilience.
Third-Eye Chakra (Ajna)—Illuminating with Light Element
In this segment, after tapping, gently massaging the forehead with their fingers, and
developing an awareness of their “third-eye” area on the forehead between the eyes,
participants went through different kinds of eye movements, from the Indian classical
dance repertoire. As they gained more sensitivity of their forehead and specifically the
third eye area, they were requested to close their eyes and let their concentration and
focus be only on that area while being aware of any forms, colors, shapes, or images that
arose for them. This process of receptive “active dreaming” was sustained with tranquil
breathing, followed by translating these inner visuals, produced in the mind’s eye, into
expressive movement and verbal reflection, exploring their personal significance and
resonance.
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In the next stage, they progressed into “space-time” travel, in which they had to
lean against a wall with their backs, close their eyes, and experience their current
life as objective, detached outsiders. This progressed into envisioning their lives
7 years ahead—visualizing changes in surroundings, interpersonal interactions, and
professional roles. Seated on chairs with their feet grounded, this dynamic segment
allowed for an embodied alignment with their future vision. The culmination involved
sharing personal insights through verbal reflections within the group, resulting in a
collective understanding.
This segment taps into inner realms and underscores the potential for resilience
development. Through these introspective exercises, participants cultivate a profound
connection with their present selves and envisage a future grounded in intention and
possibility. This process cultivates an adaptable mindset—a vital facet of resilience—
empowering individuals to navigate life’s intricate fabric with heightened awareness
and conscious choices.
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)—Transcending with Universal Light
Following the crown chakra meditation, participants laid down on the floor on their
backs with their eyes closed and experienced a guided visualization. They envisioned
and experienced each body part as light as a feather, capable of floating weightlessly.
As they felt their whole body lighten—they had to think of their body as a fluffy cloud
floating in the wind—they could decide how high they wanted their body to float in
space, like the cloud moving upward gently, feeling the solid mass of their flesh left
behind. The idea was to enjoy the liberating experience of an imaginary levitation,
body floating, flowing, flying in space, experiencing weightlessness with no gravity
to hold the physical self down. After a serene and slow descent, they returned to earth
within their bodies, gradually experiencing their weight on the floor. They then felt the
heaviness of each part of their body almost sinking into the floor, gradually opening
their eyes, sitting up, and verbally processing what they experienced in the imaginary
levitation.
This type of experience not only induces a sense of bodily release and liberation
but also parallels the journey of resilience. Just as participants shed the constraints of
gravity, they metaphorically shed mental and emotional burdens, emerging empowered
to navigate life’s challenges with renewed lightness and adaptability.
The Chakra Dance
Concluding the session, participants engaged in a chakra dance sequence, which was
a culmination and integration of their entire chakra experience. In the dance, they
synchronized their movements with the specific chakra—for instance, moving their
feet/legs for the root chakra and their pelvis for the sacral chakra and so on, moving on
to a whole-body chakra dance. The chakra dance extended for approximately 10 to 15
minutes, helping them tune to the different energy centers within their bodies, in a flow.
Post workshop, the idea was to use these movement rituals in their daily life to embody
and enhance their awareness of the chakras, reminding themselves of all that could be
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harnessed through the system as a self-care sequence, acting both as a protective shield
and as a way to release the stressors and anxieties that they may be carrying.
Discussion
The multidimensional chakra-imbued therapeutic movement sequence model presented
in this article offers a pioneering approach to holistic healing, seamlessly combining
DMT activities with the chakra system. Integrating these two modalities introduces
a dynamic framework that centers around the balance and activation of the seven
chakras: root chakra (muladhara), sacral chakra (svadhisthana), solar plexus chakra
(manipura), heart chakra (anahata), throat chakra (vishuddha), third-eye chakra (ajna),
and the crown chakra (sahasrara).
The insights garnered from participants’ verbal reflections, meticulously documented,
and the collected self-reports after the sessions reveal a consensus among individuals.
Their shared experiences shed light on the model’s capacity to make the intangible
chakras tangible through daily practice of the same. The revelation of heightened selfawareness, the connection between emotions and bodily sensations, and the unveiling of
deeper layers of self were recurring themes. Kanika’s (to protect anonymity, the names
of all participants have been changed) testimony stating, “Understanding Chakras
through movement practices is a great way to release emotional responses,” resonates
with the transformative potential of this integration. This sentiment underscores the
notion that chakra awareness through movement practices serve as a catalyst for
emotional release and personal growth.
Remarkably, another participant, Rhea stated that “Chakras and movement therapy
go hand in hand,” revealing that the fusion of chakra knowledge and movement not only
expands self-awareness but also nurtures inner emotional strength. This aligns with
the fact that nearly half of the participants had a history of mood or anxiety disorders
or struggled with boundary-setting and lingering memories. Empirical investigations
have revealed that DMT operates as an efficacious therapeutic modality, effectively
catering to individuals dealing with anxiety (Ritter & Low, 1996). The present model
appears to provide a vital tool to address such challenges effectively, as evidenced by
Shruti, a participant who stated that the chakra module provided “a lot of insight into
where the roots of most of my physical mental health issues stem from.”
A distinct facet of DMT involves its capacity to cultivate resilience through shared
movement experiences (Payne et al., 2019). Mayank, a participant from the workshop
stated, “Initially my focus centered on the root and sacral chakras due to imbalances
in those areas stemming from childhood trauma. Through consistent practice and
guidance, I gradually addressed rigidity, instability and a lingering sense of loss.
Strengthening these areas was a game-changer, especially during the tumultuous
times of the pandemic, aiding in my bounce-back from career setbacks.” Another
participant, Sara, a client of Kashyap, undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer,
during a individual movement therapy session, articulated that she found chakra-based
movement work to be profoundly transformative. She stated, “While exploring different
chakras, I uncovered deep-seated issues. I focused on forgiveness with my root chakra,
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using grounding techniques and this practice has notably helped me build resilience—
mentally, physically, and emotionally. The specific movement patterns for each chakra
played a key role in this transformation and the ongoing practice is helping me navigate
the challenges of my healing journey with greater strength and clarity.”
Particularly noteworthy is the participants’ expressed intent to continue practicing
movements associated with solar plexus chakra (manipura) and root chakra
(muladhara)—underscoring the relevance of these energy centers in facilitating the
embodiment of harnessing and sharing positive energy and experiencing grounding.
The participants’ predominantly female composition further highlights the
approach’s relevance in addressing their holistic wellness needs. Their preferred chakra
associations complemented the model’s impact on the participants’ understanding of
the chakras. The sacral (svadhisthana) and crown (sahasrara) chakras emerged as
favorites, followed closely by the solar plexus (manipura), root chakra (muladhara) and
throat (vishuddha) chakras. This alignment between preferred chakras and embodied
experiences reinforces the model’s ability to resonate on a personal and transformative
level.
Therefore, the multidimensional chakra-imbued therapeutic movement sequence
model not only displays a harmonious convergence of ancient Eastern knowledge
systems and philosophies with contemporary therapeutic techniques, which not only
brings about a heightened awareness of inner energies but also resonates with resiliencebuilding. Further research and application are warranted to extend the understanding of
this promising model’s potential impact on holistic wellness and its contribution to the
field of integrated therapeutic practices.
Conclusion
Integrating movement and chakra awareness offers an innovative fusion model
that portrays the potential to cultivate stability, inner strength, and heightened selfawareness. Through the experiential exploration of each chakra’s essence within the
physical body and its energy centers, participants forge a meaningful connection with
themselves and their surroundings, nurturing holistic well-being and self-discovery.
The resonance of participants’ expressions and preferences underscores the movement
sequence model’s potency in driving transformative growth and promoting wellness
by amalgamating movement therapy and chakra awareness. This pioneering approach
highlights the profound impact of embodied practices in nurturing resilience and
personal development.
Nonetheless, certain limitations are pertinent to this informal study. The
subjective experiences were captured within various small groups, limiting the
results’ generalizability to all populations. Further formalized research is required
to fully comprehend the model’s potential in clinical settings. The model’s promise
calls for future investigations involving larger samples and objective measurements
within clinical environments, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its impact
on holistic wellness and its valuable contribution to the realm of integrated therapeutic
practices.
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About the Authors
Tripura Kashyap, a pioneer of DMT in India, co-founded the CMTAI in 2014. With
a master’s in psychology and training from the Hancock Center for Dance/Movement
Therapy (USA), she teaches at various levels of dance therapy courses across India. Tripura’s
expertise extends to having worked as a movement therapist in diverse settings such as
halfway homes, special schools, and rehabilitation centers. She has received prestigious
fellowships from the Ashoka International Foundation and the Indian Ministry of Culture
for her innovative contributions to movement therapy. Tripura is a devoted practitioner
of Buddhism and has authored My Body, My Wisdom—A Handbook of Creative Dance
Therapy and Contemporary Dance: Practices, Paradigms and Practitioners. Website:
http://www.Tripurakashyap.info; E-Mail: danceandmovement63@gmail.com.
Karishma Arora is working as a research intern at Soulsphere, Pune. She is a TEDx
speaker, performer, and trained Kathak (Indian classical dance form) artist and has
received a CCRT scholarship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. She
is a member of the International Dance Council CID—UNESCO and a graduate in
psychology with a minor in philosophy from the Lady Shri Ram College for Women,
University of Delhi. She is currently pursuing her masters in applied psychology from
the University of Delhi. E-Mail: karishmaarora2001@gmail.com.
Anubha Doshi, a psychologist, mindfulness-based psychotherapist, and expressive
arts therapist, is the founder-director of Artsphere and Soulsphere, a unique arts and
healing center in Pune. She integrates Eastern philosophy and Western psychology and
has studied Buddhist psychology, reiki, and chakra healing. She is currently enrolled
in the doctoral program at the European Graduate School, Switzerland, founded by
Paolo Knill. She has been facilitating online well-being programs in the pandemic
on mindfulness, dance therapy, chakra healing, Buddhist psychology, and positive
psychology. She is a training faculty of CMTAI and the DMT diploma course and is the
editor of CMTAI’s online Indian Magazine of Dance/Movement Therapy. She is on the
board of studies, Psychology Department, St. Mira’s College for Girls, Pune. Tel.: +91
9765046161, E-Mail: anubha@artspherepune.com.
Karishma Harlalka co-founded Artsphere and Soulsphere, a unique art and healing
center in Pune. She is a psychologist, dancer, choreographer, and therapeutic movement
practitioner. She incorporates her knowledge of yoga, body awareness, and anatomy in
her own practices as well as the classes that she conducts. She is interested in mindful
movement practices and is working on developing a cohesive movement program
that combines her learnings in dance, body anatomy, yoga, and dance therapy. She
is currently pursuing the Bodynamics Foundation Training with The Healing Circle
under Bodynamic International. E-Mail: harlalka.karishma@gmail.com.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: E-Mail: anubha@artspherepune.
com; Tel.: +91-976-5046161.
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Acknowledgement
This research did not receive any grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial,
or not-for-profit sectors.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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