What is Salsa Therapy and how is it Linked to Yoga?

Everybody knows that exercise is great for the body and mind. With a range of physical and emotional benefits, working out regularly can help you to feel healthier and happier. However, trying to fit regular exercise into a busy lifestyle can be tricky – especially for those working full time. At the end of a long day, finding the motivation to get yourself moving can be tough. To make it a little easier, though, it’s best to find a type of exercise that provides enjoyment as well as health benefits. For many people, Salsa Therapy is the perfect choice. Best described as a mixture of salsa and yoga, Salsa Therapy is great for the mind, body, and soul. In this article, we explore Salsa Therapy in more detail. As with any type of exercise, it’s important to wear the right clothing when participating in the style. To allow yourself to move freely, consider opting for a lightweight tank top and some comfortable shorts.

What is Salsa Therapy?

A style of movement therapy, Salsa Therapy benefits the intellectual, emotional, and motor functions of the body. Ultimately, the practice focuses on the connection between movement and emotion. There are a variety of different styles that fall under ‘movement therapy’, with some of the most common being ballroom, hip-hop, and salsa. The nature of each class will depend on the style of dance, though the ultimate goal of each session remains the same. Each class will be led by a certified instructor; as well as being experienced in the art of Salsa, each teacher is also a licensed therapist.

A Salsa Therapy class uses movement to help practitioners achieve physical and emotional integration. With a variety of benefits including stress relief and mood management, the classes are popular amongst people of all sorts. Though many Salsa Therapy students are merely looking to better their lifestyle, some students are suffering from more serious issues. For instance, Salsa Therapy can be used to treat various eating disorders and addictions.

Similarities of Salsa Therapy and Yoga

Though Salsa Therapy is not technically a form of yoga, the two practices have many similarities. To start with, Salsa Therapy and Yoga both use movement to better the body and mind. Though the movement used in Salsa Therapy is faster than most yoga styles, the goal of the movement remains the same. Secondly, Dance Therapy and Yoga are both considered to be religious activities. With the intention of purifying the mind and body, Salsa Therapy and yoga both form a spiritual connection between the practitioner and the art. Additionally, both practices can be used to cleanse the body and mind. Finally, Salsa Therapy and yoga both encourage the mind to focus. Helping the practitioner to step back from the busyness of modern life, both practices can be used to cleanse and refresh the mind.

How is Salsa Therapy Different From Salsa Dance?

While Salsa Therapy and Salsa Dance are similar, there are a few key differences between the two. On the whole, Salsa Dance is used as a form of exercise. Though a Salsa Therapy session is also a great work out, it boasts a range of other benefits, too.

In dance therapy, actions and movement are interpreted as a language. Practitioners use fluid movement to communicate conscious and unconscious emotions. A certified instructor will then be able to asses these movements, and address the specific needs of each student. In addition to talking to each student to validate their feelings, instructors use a few other methods, too. One of the most popular techniques is ‘mirroring’. To use the mirroring technique, the instructor will match the movement of a student to exhibit empathy. Another popular technique is the use of a ‘movement metaphor’. Best described as a prop, instructors often hand out movement metaphors to help students express their emotions. For instance, a student may use a white flag to express emotional surrender.

Benefits of Salsa Therapy

When used regularly, Salsa Therapy can bring with it a range of great benefits. One of the most popular benefits is the expression of trapped emotions. Over time, memories and emotions can become trapped in the body. Though some can be released through talking, others are a little more stubborn. Salsa Therapy is a great way to rid the body of these emotions – even those stuck in the subconscious. In addition to boasting a range of emotional benefits, Salsa Therapy can provide physical benefits, too. Like any form of physical exercise, regular practice will improve your fitness levels, flexibility, and muscle strength.

The first session of Salsa Therapy can seem daunting, and it’s completely normal to feel a little apprehen-sive. However, it shouldn’t take long to realise you’re in a safe, nurturing space. This will help you to really open up to your therapist, allowing you to reap maximum benefit from each class.

In Summary

Whether you’re an experienced Salsa dancer or you’re a complete novice, Salsa Therapy can be used by people of all abilities. The goal of the practice is not perfect form, it is to release your emotions through fluid, expressive movements. With this in mind, even complete beginners can benefit from a Salsa Therapy class. If you enjoy practising yoga, you’re almost guaranteed to enjoy Salsa Therapy. As the two practices have a range of similarities, avid yogis should find it easy to slip into the flow of dance therapy. Before attending your first class, it’s important to pick up some comfortable clothing. To keep the body cool and oxygenated, consider wearing a breathable yoga bra and a pair of sweatpants.