Revitalizing Recovery: Integrating Movement Therapy in Eating Disorder Treatment

By -Mahima Kumari

Final Prof

PJMCH, Dumka

“When you dance, you can enjoy the luxury of being you – Paulo Coelho”

Eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by irregular eating habits and  negative thoughts concerning their body weight or shape, which affect a person’s physical, psychological and social function.

There are different kinds of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, pica, avoidant restrictive food intake (AFRID), rumination disorder and binge eating disorder.

While traditional treatments often focus on psychotherapy and medication, movement therapy has emerged as a new holistic way to manage eating disorders. It integrates movement and psychology to address emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of well-being.

It is of different types –

1)Dance movement therapy (DMT) utilizes movement as a medium for psychological healing and self-expression. Through guided movement exercises and improvisation, individuals with eating disorders can explore their relationship with their bodies in a safe and supportive environment.

2)Yoga therapy integrates physical postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices to promote holistic well-being. For individuals with eating disorders, yoga offers a gentle yet powerful means of reconnecting with the body.

3)Expressive arts therapy includes various creative mediums,such as visual arts, music, drama, and movement. Through creative expression, individuals with eating disorders can externalize their internal experiences, gaining insight and perspective on their struggles.

Benefits of Movement therapy are –

1)Many individuals with eating disorders experience disconnection from their bodies, viewing them as separate entities to be controlled.  Movement therapy encourages participants to inhabit their bodies fully, experiencing sensations and emotions without judgment. By engaging in mindful movement practices, such as yoga and dance  individuals can foster  a compassionate and non-judgmental awareness of their bodies, promoting self-compassion and self-care.

2) It provides a nonverbal means of expression for individuals who may struggle to articulate their thoughts and feelings verbally. Through movement or expressive art, they can communicate and process difficult to verbalize emotions, such as shame, guilt, or trauma. This approach to therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals with eating disorders, as it allows them to explore and release pent-up emotions without relying solely on verbal communication.

3) It offers a safe space for individuals to explore their relationship with food and exercise in a supportive environment. Unlike traditional exercise programs that may emphasize weight loss or calorie burning, movement therapy focuses on the joy of movement and the connection between mind and body. Classes provide a supportive and non-competitive environment, promoting a sense of belonging and community. By reframing exercise as a form of self-expression and self-care, individuals can reclaim agency over their bodies and break free from destructive patterns of behavior.

4)It can help individuals develop coping skills and emotional regulation techniques to manage triggers and cravings associated with their eating disorder. Through rhythmic movement and breathwork, clients can soothe their nervous systems and cultivate a sense of calm and stability. These practices serve as powerful tools for self-soothing and self-regulation, thus empowering individuals to cope with stress and discomfort without resorting to disordered eating behaviors.

Yoga practices, such as breathing techniques and gentle movements, help reduce stress and anxiety commonly associated with eating disorders.

Movement therapy complements traditional therapies by targeting underlying beliefs and behaviors associated with eating disorders.Through expressive movement and dance, individuals with eating disorders can reconnect with their bodies, explore emotions, and develop healthier relationships with food and self-image.

References –

1.https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/therapies/body-movement-dance-therapy#:~:text=Dance%20Movement%20Therapy%20is%20a,eating%20disorder%20beliefs%20and%20behaviors.

2.https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/eating-disorders/what-are-eating-disorders#:~:text=They%20can%20be%20very%20serious,disorder%2C%20pica%20and%20rumination%20disorder.

3.https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/therapies/art-therapy