Losing yourself in a dance trance provides a freeing sense of self. While the joy and social connections that foster feel good moments on the dance floor provide fuel for our souls. There is great healing power in the rhythmic movement that exercises the body, as well as through the music that melds mind and spirit to the energy that surrounds us. Dance, especially movement to rhythmic percussions, forms a foundational ground for spiritual worship and an excellent source of emotional release, as experienced throughout human history. Music also constitutes one of the primordial forms of energetic connection to the pulse of life. No doubt when you loosen up and allow your bodies to follow the groove, and truly allow yourself to be guided by the musical rhythms, your soul rejuvenates and energy flows more freely.
Multiple layers of healing permeate and boost the body when we use dance as a form of exercise and therapeutic release. More importantly, for the millions of Americans who suffer from depression and anxiety each year, the increase in synaptic activity that accompanies cardiovascular exercise can help reverse the effects of depressive brain states. As we exert physical exercise, we also enhance activity in our prefrontal cortex providing a brain boost. Dance increases brain connectivity leading to better working memory, reducing stress and increasing levels of serotonin, as recognized through current research in neuroscience. A wonderful resource, the Harvard Mahoney Neuroscience Institute highlights some of the beneficial neurophysiological changes that dance can bring about, on their page Dancing and the Brain.
As scientists try to understand the neurophysiology of depression through brain morphology, animal models provide some revealing findings. One such study connects the atrophy of dendritic spine density in regions of the prefrontal cortex to depressed brain states. Research into the antidepressant effects of Ketamine highlights how Ketamine reverses depressive neurophysiology by “increasing dendritic spine density in the prefrontal cortex, reflecting structural remodeling” and at times the creation of new neuropathways. Providing more acute effects than dancing can for individuals in need of more targeted therapeutic treatments, Ketamine infusion can provide immediate and sustained benefits to brain-based behavioral changes.
A recently published study, this one focusing on Electrophysiological Biomarkers of Ketamine on individuals with depression, reviews “markers of synaptic potentiation…[including] gamma oscillations and long-term potentiation.” The study points to “changes in long-term potentiation as a promising measure of synaptic [restructuring] following ketamine administration” leading to changes in synaptic activity that helps loosen entrenched neuropathways. In fact, the full effects of Ketamine infusion may not be felt immediately, as reported by some patients, but instead may become more apparent a few days following treatment, and up to about 10-14 days after, as increased synaptic activity and rewiring takes place.
Along with other therapeutic activities such as dancing, Ketamine infusion treatments establish neuro and electrophysiological restructuring in the brain that potentially lead to behavioral changes, and often an enhanced outlook on life. Contact Ketamine Health Centers today to discuss your specific needs and one of our specialists will help tailor your treatment options. We are dedicated to helping you or your loved one boost mental and emotional wellness to healthy living.
