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A Check Up From the Neck Up…What Women of Color Need to Know About
Mental Health
by Laverne Williams, CSW
As a community educator, I constantly hear my community declare phrases like:
As African American females, we also have a large tendency to talk to “our girl” when we have challenges. I am all for
having someone to bounce my feelings off of, but you need to recognize when your “girl” needs help herself! After all,
how many times have you heard, “Girl, none of our family members had to go to a psychiatrist or psychologist. They
just prayed, read their Bibles and endured it.” “If we got through slavery, we can get through anything.” Beware! If
you look closely at her situation, you may find a woman who is perhaps crying herself to sleep at night, missing work on
a consistent basis, isolating herself from her friends, complaining of constant headaches or going to her medical doctor
talking about aches and pains that cannot be explained physically.
The facts are:
An article written by Barbara Jones Warren, RN, MS, PhD for Healthy Place states:
Another article I reviewed for Black Women’s Health.com stated that “Black women find themselves lagging behind
Whites and other women in health and mental health indices. For example, the depression rate among African American
women is estimated to be almost 50% higher than that of Caucasian women.”
The article further affirmed that the rates of mental health problems are higher than average for Black women because
of psychological factors that result directly from our experience as Black Americans. These experiences include racism,
cultural alienation, violence, and sexual exploitation, now being researched as PTSS (Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome).
African-American women suffer disproportionately
Surveys I have personally conducted, and other studies show that many African-American women rely on supports other
than mental health services. There is a strong reliance on community, the support of family, and the religious community
during periods of emotional distress. Black women seek mental health care less than White women, and, when they do
seek it, do so later in life and at more severe stages of the disease. Some delay treatment so long that admission into
a psychiatric hospital is inevitable, whereas early detection could have offered outpatient treatment as an option.
The small percentage of women seeking professional health services has caused mental health professionals to under-
diagnose disorders like depression and over-diagnose disorders like schizophrenia in the African-American community.
This is due in part, to the fact that African Americans metabolize medications at different rates compared to whites, yet
do not remain in treatment long enough to get the right dosage.
I grew up in the 1950s in an era where mental health was not a topic of discussion. If you were having “trouble with
your mind” as it was called back then, it was seen as a weakness. If “demons were attacking your soul” as folks said, it
was believed that you or your parents must have committed a known or unknown sin and this was the punishment!
Many of us sought health advice from our pastor or medical doctor. Seeking help from a psychiatrist or psychologist was
usually not an option we considered. I personally only knew of school guidance counselors, and they were, more often
than not, always white. Even today, approximately only 2% of mental health professionals are persons of color.
Help is out there
Since many do indeed seek help from pastors, or clergy persons, a large part of giving back to my community is to offer
educational presentations to communities of faith. Topics include mental health issues, signs and symptoms,
medications, and treatment options.
Ultimately, you are the master of your own destiny which must include healthy lifestyle choices. Check the Internet for
the location of mental health professionals or organizations in your area. There are numerous organizations. Keep in
mind that not every one experiencing emotional difficulties will need medication. Often times, persons are reacting to a
temporary problem in their life and may just need someone other than a friend who will listen and tell them what needs
to be done; not just what they want to hear.
If you live in New Jersey and would like further information, feel free to call the NJ Mental Health Cares Help Line at 1
866-202-HELP (4357) to reach a live operator from 8 AM – 8 PM Monday through Friday . Calls are confidential.
In the meantime here are some ways to maintain your emotional wellness:
There is no” health” without good mental health”. I hope you are taking care of yours.
Laverne S. Williams, CSW is the Director of the PEWS (Promoting Emotional Wellness & Spirituality) program for the Mental
Health Association in New Jersey. A Certified Social Worker, Ms. Williams has over 25+ years of experience in mental health
services. As an advocate on behalf of persons with mental illness, and as an ordained Deacon at the Union Baptist Church in
Montclair, NJ, Ms. Williams diligently develops partnerships with faith communities, consumers, and community service
providers to explore the relationship between emotional and spiritual wellness.
A recipient of numerous awards, including the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma “Ambassador” Award
in the Multicultural category, Ms. Williams has also co-directed and appeared in two videos, “Anything But Crazy; African
Americans, Spirituality and Emotional Wellness” and “Getting to the Other Side,” and has been quoted in the book, Black
Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting by Terrie M. Williams. She has also appeared on numerous television and radio
shows to speak about her work on mental health and spirituality, written articles for ABC News Health and The Grio Web
sites, coordinated and facilitated two successful conferences where over 400 clergy, lay people family members and mental
health professionals were brought together to focus on mental health and spirituality.
Ms. Williams is the owner and CEO of Laverne S. Williams, Enterprise, a company providing spiritual, health and
emotional wellness workshops.
Mental Health
by Laverne Williams, CSW
As a community educator, I constantly hear my community declare phrases like:
- Black folks don’t commit suicide – that’s a white man’s disease
- I don’t need to talk to a psychiatrist, I can talk to Jesus
- All I need to do is to pray and fast to get my mind focusing on the right track again
- I’m just going through some hard times
As African American females, we also have a large tendency to talk to “our girl” when we have challenges. I am all for
having someone to bounce my feelings off of, but you need to recognize when your “girl” needs help herself! After all,
how many times have you heard, “Girl, none of our family members had to go to a psychiatrist or psychologist. They
just prayed, read their Bibles and endured it.” “If we got through slavery, we can get through anything.” Beware! If
you look closely at her situation, you may find a woman who is perhaps crying herself to sleep at night, missing work on
a consistent basis, isolating herself from her friends, complaining of constant headaches or going to her medical doctor
talking about aches and pains that cannot be explained physically.
The facts are:
- Statistics show that more than 2.5 million African Americans have bi-polar disease
- Only 7 percent of African American women with depression seek help
- Twice as many women as men experience depression
An article written by Barbara Jones Warren, RN, MS, PhD for Healthy Place states:
Another article I reviewed for Black Women’s Health.com stated that “Black women find themselves lagging behind
Whites and other women in health and mental health indices. For example, the depression rate among African American
women is estimated to be almost 50% higher than that of Caucasian women.”
The article further affirmed that the rates of mental health problems are higher than average for Black women because
of psychological factors that result directly from our experience as Black Americans. These experiences include racism,
cultural alienation, violence, and sexual exploitation, now being researched as PTSS (Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome).
African-American women suffer disproportionately
Surveys I have personally conducted, and other studies show that many African-American women rely on supports other
than mental health services. There is a strong reliance on community, the support of family, and the religious community
during periods of emotional distress. Black women seek mental health care less than White women, and, when they do
seek it, do so later in life and at more severe stages of the disease. Some delay treatment so long that admission into
a psychiatric hospital is inevitable, whereas early detection could have offered outpatient treatment as an option.
The small percentage of women seeking professional health services has caused mental health professionals to under-
diagnose disorders like depression and over-diagnose disorders like schizophrenia in the African-American community.
This is due in part, to the fact that African Americans metabolize medications at different rates compared to whites, yet
do not remain in treatment long enough to get the right dosage.
I grew up in the 1950s in an era where mental health was not a topic of discussion. If you were having “trouble with
your mind” as it was called back then, it was seen as a weakness. If “demons were attacking your soul” as folks said, it
was believed that you or your parents must have committed a known or unknown sin and this was the punishment!
Many of us sought health advice from our pastor or medical doctor. Seeking help from a psychiatrist or psychologist was
usually not an option we considered. I personally only knew of school guidance counselors, and they were, more often
than not, always white. Even today, approximately only 2% of mental health professionals are persons of color.
Help is out there
Since many do indeed seek help from pastors, or clergy persons, a large part of giving back to my community is to offer
educational presentations to communities of faith. Topics include mental health issues, signs and symptoms,
medications, and treatment options.
Ultimately, you are the master of your own destiny which must include healthy lifestyle choices. Check the Internet for
the location of mental health professionals or organizations in your area. There are numerous organizations. Keep in
mind that not every one experiencing emotional difficulties will need medication. Often times, persons are reacting to a
temporary problem in their life and may just need someone other than a friend who will listen and tell them what needs
to be done; not just what they want to hear.
If you live in New Jersey and would like further information, feel free to call the NJ Mental Health Cares Help Line at 1
866-202-HELP (4357) to reach a live operator from 8 AM – 8 PM Monday through Friday . Calls are confidential.
In the meantime here are some ways to maintain your emotional wellness:
- Praying
- Positive thinking
- Meditation
- Journaling (writing your stress away)
- Repeating positive affirmations.
- Love and pamper yourself
- Exercise
- Spend time with positive people
- Seek professional help if you need it
There is no” health” without good mental health”. I hope you are taking care of yours.
Laverne S. Williams, CSW is the Director of the PEWS (Promoting Emotional Wellness & Spirituality) program for the Mental
Health Association in New Jersey. A Certified Social Worker, Ms. Williams has over 25+ years of experience in mental health
services. As an advocate on behalf of persons with mental illness, and as an ordained Deacon at the Union Baptist Church in
Montclair, NJ, Ms. Williams diligently develops partnerships with faith communities, consumers, and community service
providers to explore the relationship between emotional and spiritual wellness.
A recipient of numerous awards, including the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma “Ambassador” Award
in the Multicultural category, Ms. Williams has also co-directed and appeared in two videos, “Anything But Crazy; African
Americans, Spirituality and Emotional Wellness” and “Getting to the Other Side,” and has been quoted in the book, Black
Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting by Terrie M. Williams. She has also appeared on numerous television and radio
shows to speak about her work on mental health and spirituality, written articles for ABC News Health and The Grio Web
sites, coordinated and facilitated two successful conferences where over 400 clergy, lay people family members and mental
health professionals were brought together to focus on mental health and spirituality.
Ms. Williams is the owner and CEO of Laverne S. Williams, Enterprise, a company providing spiritual, health and
emotional wellness workshops.
Defiantly, I ignore it and open a book. But this demon is relentless, and now I've made him mad. With his tiny,
little blowtorches set on stun, he races up my back, scorches my shoulders, and climbs toward the nape of my
neck so fast until all I want to do is get off at the next stop and try to out run him. This can't be his work single-
handedly. He's just not that agile. But he is an arrogant little bastard who doesn't like to be ignored, and it
appears he’s rounded up a posse for this attack.
I’ve got to calm down. Panic breeds perspiration. Besides, maybe it’s not me. Looking to my fellow passengers
for any sign of perspiration validation, I notice a man seated to my left, wearing some kind of long-sleeved,
Rayon-Banlon blend shirt and corduroys – in late April, mind you – and he appears quite comfortable. And why
aren’t other women’s bangs pasted to their foreheads? I’m afraid it’s true: This is my Twilight Zone, and I can’t
ignore this devil and his fire-breathing minions anymore. They’ve already taken one casualty - my bangs are
dead, drowned in a pool of sweat, pushed back, and buried under a headband I wrestled away from the little girl
seated next to me: Look kid, you need to stop crying now. Grow a spine and get over it. When you get home
just tell mommy a mean, sweaty woman pulled it right off the back of your head.
After sharing this and an increasing amount of sweat-related stories with my other estrogen challenged friends, I
realized I was not alone. We all had been duped by perimenopause. Yet as apparent as it was that we were at
the precipice of full-on menopause, none of us would accept it because technically, we were still in
perimenopause; still menstruating each month, and
thereby, at least in our minds, still able to claim a tiny piece of our young womanhood. That box of Tampxx we
purchased each month was tantamount to the promise of fitting into a size 10 dress again, seriously dating,
regular and passionate sex, gym-toned thighs, and other fleeting, sweet remnants of life before chin hairs. But in
reality, we were suffering from unsettling memory loss, killer hot flashes, increasing episodes of insomnia, sweat
drenched pajama tops, unexplained tears, and nosey gray hairs popping up in places a bottle of dye was never
meant to touch.
My Concept of Perimenopause vs. Menopause
Webster defines the prefix peri as: "Around, about or enclosing." Menopause is simply defined: "The period of
cessation of menstruation, occurring usually between the ages of 45 and 50." That means, at my age, I am
"around, enclosing or about" to enter the period of menopause, but I’m not there yet. My gynecologist added
that there are varying degrees of perimenopause – early to late – and I am definitely in the late phase, but
again, not at menopause yet. It’s just not fair that this bitch’s brew of fluctuating hormones leaves me with
maybe one good week in every month. Other than that I’m suffering from either PMS or perimenopause, and I’m
not sure which one to blame. That means I’m either crying for no apparent reason and bitchy or crying for no
apparent reason and forgetful. It means I crave any foods with a 90 % sugar or salt content. At any time during
the month I may be bloated, constipated or suffering from low backache pain. I’ve become a wet insomniac. I’m a
frequent, twilight pee-er who is too old for the second revival of hip-huggers, but too young for Aunt Alma’s
polyester pant suits. And once a month I’m Clearasil-ing a recurring facial zit my co-workers have affectionately
named "Little Quasimodo."
Our Final Decision and Ultimate Solution
My friends and I don't have any spare change for regular Botox injections, face-lifts, tummy-tucks or breast
augmentations. Instead we’ve decided to celebrate every new sag, flab, and wrinkle ushered in by "the change."
Sometimes over glasses of champagne, sometimes through tears, we each make our peace with menopause,
share the absurdity of it; and keep the promise to laugh about it whenever we misplace a thought or whenever
we’re attacked by a hot flash. But we also haven't given up on staying in shape, staving off those menacing
night sweats, or one day working our hips into a smaller dress size. Bolstered by a sense of humor, a
tremendous appreciation for where and who we are at this exact moment in life, we help each other remember
to: take gingko, soy supplements, evening primrose, black cohosh, calcium supplements; drink our herbal teas,
practice yoga, walk, run; lift free weights (for tone, definition and to prevent bone loss); keep a bottle of water
on our desks and our yearly mammogram appointments. But maybe more important, is that the ladies and I don't
panic if we forget to do any of the above because we've learned that most truant thoughts eventually find their
way home again. And if they don’t, so what!
So the next time you're all dressed up, hair in place, dry-faced, and a hot flash sneaks up on you, remember my
little mantra: Stay calm this will pass. Panic breeds beads (of sweat). Breathe. Breathe. Panic breeds beads.
Breathe. Breathe. Then, take two or three deep, cleansing breaths, and ignore that cute, perky-breasted,
twenty-something year-old staring at you in disbelief. Her day is coming, too.
To read the article in its entirety, go to:
*The All Vita Northwest Website: http://www.allvita.net/ginkgo_biloba.htm
The Menopause Chronicles
The Days in the Lives of the Estrogen-Challenged
by Sharon E. Pegues
The Days in the Lives of the Estrogen-Challenged
by Sharon E. Pegues
I started writing this when I was 45 years old. At the time, my hot flashes were minimal,
night sweats were a rarity, and mood swings were manageable. I was at that incipient,
carefree, little perimenopause stage that lulled me into a false sense of what I thought
was going to be a time of graceful, gentle, mid-life biological changes. Back then, I could
still sleep through the night in a relatively dry tee shirt. I didn’t have to worry about
breaking out in a sweat during the Monday morning staff meeting, or suddenly bursting
into tears later that night in the grocery store recalling the embarrassment.
Fast-forward a few years to my late forties. It’s a late April afternoon in the District of
Columbia, 77 degrees, and I've already battled with two hot flashes. Just as I find a seat
on the train to Silver Spring, hot flash number three taps me on the shoulder.
night sweats were a rarity, and mood swings were manageable. I was at that incipient,
carefree, little perimenopause stage that lulled me into a false sense of what I thought
was going to be a time of graceful, gentle, mid-life biological changes. Back then, I could
still sleep through the night in a relatively dry tee shirt. I didn’t have to worry about
breaking out in a sweat during the Monday morning staff meeting, or suddenly bursting
into tears later that night in the grocery store recalling the embarrassment.
Fast-forward a few years to my late forties. It’s a late April afternoon in the District of
Columbia, 77 degrees, and I've already battled with two hot flashes. Just as I find a seat
on the train to Silver Spring, hot flash number three taps me on the shoulder.
Oral Cancer: On the rise, but easy to detect
by Gail M. Curtis
by Gail M. Curtis
I love my sister. I only have one. She’s the older by 2 years. Hence, she’s been at my side for as long as I’ve
had memory and then some. I’m sixty. Oh, did I say, I love my sister.
My sister smokes cigarettes (now, XXX packs a day). My visual of her since college age is lighting up a Tarryton
100 and alternately gesturing elegantly and taking a long slow drag. A graduate of the 70’s textile industry two-
hour client lunches, she’s always been able to put away a few drinks while doing so.
When we get together we have mega fun. Except the last time we spent together she complained of a small
growth in her mouth. it became apparent that it interfered with her eating. Oh by the way, my sis loves good
food. She seemed concerned. Now…so am I. Her risk factors for oral cancer are “text book”.
City, NJ.) He is one of many dentists who now include and recommend a simple diagnostic test for oral cancer as
a part of a first office visit. This is because, he says, “Oral Cancer Is Easy To Detect. And, in concert with the
goals of the American Dental Association, I want people to realize that oral cancer is out there, that it's a big
problem, and that if they have a suspicious condition in the mouth, they should see a dentist.”
had memory and then some. I’m sixty. Oh, did I say, I love my sister.
My sister smokes cigarettes (now, XXX packs a day). My visual of her since college age is lighting up a Tarryton
100 and alternately gesturing elegantly and taking a long slow drag. A graduate of the 70’s textile industry two-
hour client lunches, she’s always been able to put away a few drinks while doing so.
When we get together we have mega fun. Except the last time we spent together she complained of a small
growth in her mouth. it became apparent that it interfered with her eating. Oh by the way, my sis loves good
food. She seemed concerned. Now…so am I. Her risk factors for oral cancer are “text book”.
- About 90% of people with oral cavity cancer smoke or chew tobacco.
- About 75% to 80% of all patients with oral cancer often consume alcohol.
- People who smoke and also drink alcohol have a much higher risk of cancer than those using only alcohol
or tobacco alone.
City, NJ.) He is one of many dentists who now include and recommend a simple diagnostic test for oral cancer as
a part of a first office visit. This is because, he says, “Oral Cancer Is Easy To Detect. And, in concert with the
goals of the American Dental Association, I want people to realize that oral cancer is out there, that it's a big
problem, and that if they have a suspicious condition in the mouth, they should see a dentist.”
Signs and symptoms that could indicate oral cancer include:
|
AT A GLANCE: Signs of Oral Cancer |
The rate of stigma and shame about accessing mental health services by women of color is
amazingly high, even in this day and age. I am an African American woman, and the owner of
Laverne Williams Enterprise, LLC a consulting firm which provides individually designed health
and educational presentations with a Christian flair to various organizations throughout the US.
As a Social Worker and Deacon, I have made it my mission to raise awareness in communities of
color about the synergistic relationship between emotional and spiritual wellness, and to
breaking down the barriers regarding seeking mental health treatment.
A Word of Caution
Avoid these movements if you are taking dance classes for
healing or have certain physical limitations:
Before you start make sure you ask your health care
provider if there are any medical reasons why you should
not pursue dance at this time. This is particularly true if you
plan to use it as part of recovering from injury, surgery, or
other physical condition.
Avoid these movements if you are taking dance classes for
healing or have certain physical limitations:
- Backbends and Turkish Drops: A Turkish Drop is
movement where you drop to the ground with your
legs bent backwards under you and your feet are near
your armpits. Don't do these if you have a history of
weakness or injury in either the knees or lower back
- Hair Tosses or Throwing Your Hair: Certain Persian
Gulf dances, as well as the zar, incorporate head
movements that toss the hair from side to side or
front to back or in a circle. Don't do these if you have a
history of whiplash or other neck injury
- Floor Work or Dancing on the Floor: This can be
very risky for people with a history of knee problems.
Before you start make sure you ask your health care
provider if there are any medical reasons why you should
not pursue dance at this time. This is particularly true if you
plan to use it as part of recovering from injury, surgery, or
other physical condition.
Health Benefits of Belly Dancing
by Michelle Alexander aka MiaNaja
According to Healing Through Oriental Dance by Shira, “People first sample Oriental dance (often called belly
dancing) for a variety of reasons: new friends, a new hobby, a new way to exercise, a chance to explore their
sensuous side, etc. But they often stay for other reasons. And one of the reasons that some people stay with
it is because it brings them healing.” As an instructor, I know personally that Belly dancing can help women
recover from injury, prevent injury, eliminate pain, build self esteem, and contribute to overall wellness.
Belly dancing otherwise known as Middle Eastern/North African dance is low impact. It’s good for women of
all shapes and sizes. Unlike other dance forms, it does not require leaping, hyperextension of joints, or abrupt
movements. Fusion may incorporate ballet, modern dance, hip hop or other forms into belly dancing, but Raks
Sharki (translated from Arabic meaning Oriental dance) uses movements natural to a woman’s body. But don’
t think there is not an aerobic component. You can break a sweat shimmying in place for 5-10 minutes.
According to Shira, dance can promote good health in the following ways:
There has been some discussion about how dance can help heal breast cancer. No studies have actually
proved this, but exercise can help overall wellness which may enable cancer patients to recover faster. There
are some hormonal links to belly dancing but none in any published medical journals. Belly dancing can help
some people recover (or cope better) from back problems, whiplash, hip replacements, ricketts, scoliosis and
other conditions.
Morocco, a noted belly dancer, highly published writer and expert in the art and culture of the dance for over
40 years, wrote an article "Belly Dancing and Childbirth” published first in 1964 in "Sexology" and numerous
other magazines and papers over the years. Committed to the preservation of Raks Sharki, she writes:
“Oriental dancing, as the Arabs themselves call it, is one of the oldest forms of dance, originating with pre-
Biblical religious rites worshiping motherhood and two of its movements (the only two actually done with the
abdominal muscles) have as their practical side the preparation of females for the stresses of childbirth. Thus it
is also, in a way, the oldest form of natural childbirth instruction.
According to Farab Firdoz, a dancer from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, this use of the dance was still performed in the
less Westernized parts of her country in the 1950s, around the bedside of a woman in childbirth, by a circle of
her fellow tribeswomen. In this ritualistic form men are not allowed to watch it. The purpose here is to
hypnotize the woman in labor into an imitation of the movements with her own body. This greatly facilitates
the birth and reduces pain from womb contractions. It helps the mother to move with instead of against the
contractions.” (Go to www.casbahdance.com to read the article in its entirety.)
However, contrary to information that is often promoted on the Web and the radio by certain teachers who
offer workshops on sexual performance/healing linked to belly dancing, there is no medical evidence or
published research that supports the idea that belly dancing cures fibroid tumors, increases fertility or heals
the uterus. (I had fibroids grow for nine years while teaching and performing as a belly dancer and
eventually had a hysterectomy.) But because of the years of dancing, I was released from the hospital early
and healed faster. I encourage the readers if they have any reproductive illnesses or conditions, to consult an
OB/GYN regarding your health so you will have options available to you.
Choosing a Teacher
When selecting an instructor be aware that the right teacher can help you reach your goals, and the wrong
one can hinder your progress. Here are some suggestions on how to select an instructor:
A good teacher will:
If you can't find a local teacher who suits the above criteria, you can still learn to dance through video and
other resources online such as online classes offered by dancers like Amaya of New Mexico, Suhaila Salimpour
and Dalia Carella.
You can also attend workshops that encourage new dancers to attend and go to retreats like Amaya’s Wise
Woman retreat which combines dance instruction with relaxing travel to New Mexico and only has about 15-20
participants which provides more close instruction.
MiaNaja is the Director of MiaNaja Productions and creative director of the Award winning MiaNaja Oriental Danse
Ensemble and the Raks Divas. An award winning performer, national workshop instructor, competition Judge,
choreographer and event producer, MiaNaja enjoys collaborating with other instructors and exploring new aspects of
the dance while preserving its culture. MiaNaja was a judge in the New England Belly Dancing Competition, August
28-29 www.za-beth.com, and will perform in the Fells Point Fun Festival, October 2-3 in Baltimore, http://www.
preservationsociety.com/fpff2010.html and will close the October 9th Saturday night show with both troupes at
Rakassah East, the biggest Belly dancing Festival in the East Coast in Somerset, NJ. (www.rakassah.com.)
Article References:
Shira. Healing Through Oriental Dance: Part 1, Physical Healing
http://www.shira.net/heal-phys1.htm
Morocco. Belly Dancing" and Childbirth Sexology, 1964. http://www.casbahdance.com/
Instructors:
MiaNaja - www.mianaja.org
Amaya - http://www.wisewomandancer.com/
Oreet, creator of SharQui ™ Belldance Fitness Workout - www.sharqui.com
Morocco - www.casbahdance.com
Online Classes:
Suhaila - www.therealsuhaila.com
Dalia Carella- http://www.daliacarella.com/
by Michelle Alexander aka MiaNaja
According to Healing Through Oriental Dance by Shira, “People first sample Oriental dance (often called belly
dancing) for a variety of reasons: new friends, a new hobby, a new way to exercise, a chance to explore their
sensuous side, etc. But they often stay for other reasons. And one of the reasons that some people stay with
it is because it brings them healing.” As an instructor, I know personally that Belly dancing can help women
recover from injury, prevent injury, eliminate pain, build self esteem, and contribute to overall wellness.
Belly dancing otherwise known as Middle Eastern/North African dance is low impact. It’s good for women of
all shapes and sizes. Unlike other dance forms, it does not require leaping, hyperextension of joints, or abrupt
movements. Fusion may incorporate ballet, modern dance, hip hop or other forms into belly dancing, but Raks
Sharki (translated from Arabic meaning Oriental dance) uses movements natural to a woman’s body. But don’
t think there is not an aerobic component. You can break a sweat shimmying in place for 5-10 minutes.
According to Shira, dance can promote good health in the following ways:
- Better Circulation: When you exercise, your muscles need more oxygen, and your circulatory system
works to bring it to them. That's why your heart beats faster and you start to pant. The increased blood
flow throughout your body cleanses your cells of toxins, delivers life-giving oxygen to your cells, and
speeds up your metabolism promoting healthy weight loss. - Reduced Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that exercise is a useful treatment for high blood
pressure. Exercise also reduces stress, which is one of the causes of high blood pressure. - Joint Health: Exercise encourages your joints to remain mobile, and feeds them with the natural
lubrications of your body. When you sit still all day at work, and then sit in front of the television at
night, your body is no longer promoting this natural process, and you can start to lose your flexibility.
Belly dancing encourages fluid movement throughout your body in ways that other forms of exercise
don't. - Burning Calories: According to Dr. Carrolle Jean-Murat's web site, belly dancing burns 250-300 calories
per hour.
There has been some discussion about how dance can help heal breast cancer. No studies have actually
proved this, but exercise can help overall wellness which may enable cancer patients to recover faster. There
are some hormonal links to belly dancing but none in any published medical journals. Belly dancing can help
some people recover (or cope better) from back problems, whiplash, hip replacements, ricketts, scoliosis and
other conditions.
Morocco, a noted belly dancer, highly published writer and expert in the art and culture of the dance for over
40 years, wrote an article "Belly Dancing and Childbirth” published first in 1964 in "Sexology" and numerous
other magazines and papers over the years. Committed to the preservation of Raks Sharki, she writes:
“Oriental dancing, as the Arabs themselves call it, is one of the oldest forms of dance, originating with pre-
Biblical religious rites worshiping motherhood and two of its movements (the only two actually done with the
abdominal muscles) have as their practical side the preparation of females for the stresses of childbirth. Thus it
is also, in a way, the oldest form of natural childbirth instruction.
According to Farab Firdoz, a dancer from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, this use of the dance was still performed in the
less Westernized parts of her country in the 1950s, around the bedside of a woman in childbirth, by a circle of
her fellow tribeswomen. In this ritualistic form men are not allowed to watch it. The purpose here is to
hypnotize the woman in labor into an imitation of the movements with her own body. This greatly facilitates
the birth and reduces pain from womb contractions. It helps the mother to move with instead of against the
contractions.” (Go to www.casbahdance.com to read the article in its entirety.)
However, contrary to information that is often promoted on the Web and the radio by certain teachers who
offer workshops on sexual performance/healing linked to belly dancing, there is no medical evidence or
published research that supports the idea that belly dancing cures fibroid tumors, increases fertility or heals
the uterus. (I had fibroids grow for nine years while teaching and performing as a belly dancer and
eventually had a hysterectomy.) But because of the years of dancing, I was released from the hospital early
and healed faster. I encourage the readers if they have any reproductive illnesses or conditions, to consult an
OB/GYN regarding your health so you will have options available to you.
Choosing a Teacher
When selecting an instructor be aware that the right teacher can help you reach your goals, and the wrong
one can hinder your progress. Here are some suggestions on how to select an instructor:
- If you have a friend who dances and you like how they look and dance, ask for a referral to good
teachers. Make sure to explain what you are looking for - Shira.net has an abundance of listings, also look for meetups and belly dancing Association websites.
Some have Yahoo groups as well - Ask to observe a class or take a sample class. Many teachers offer the first class free
- Some health clubs offer the SharQui ™ Belly dancing workout, or classes, so look there also.
A good teacher will:
- Ask if there are any health issues at the beginning of class
- Provide modifications for students who have physical/health limitations
- Discuss and demonstrate correct posture
- Offer correction on posture and technique with an explanation why
- Encourage you to try more challenging movements
- Focus on the needs of the students, not on showing off how wonderful she is
- Praise students when appropriate
- Make everyone feel welcome.
If you can't find a local teacher who suits the above criteria, you can still learn to dance through video and
other resources online such as online classes offered by dancers like Amaya of New Mexico, Suhaila Salimpour
and Dalia Carella.
You can also attend workshops that encourage new dancers to attend and go to retreats like Amaya’s Wise
Woman retreat which combines dance instruction with relaxing travel to New Mexico and only has about 15-20
participants which provides more close instruction.
MiaNaja is the Director of MiaNaja Productions and creative director of the Award winning MiaNaja Oriental Danse
Ensemble and the Raks Divas. An award winning performer, national workshop instructor, competition Judge,
choreographer and event producer, MiaNaja enjoys collaborating with other instructors and exploring new aspects of
the dance while preserving its culture. MiaNaja was a judge in the New England Belly Dancing Competition, August
28-29 www.za-beth.com, and will perform in the Fells Point Fun Festival, October 2-3 in Baltimore, http://www.
preservationsociety.com/fpff2010.html and will close the October 9th Saturday night show with both troupes at
Rakassah East, the biggest Belly dancing Festival in the East Coast in Somerset, NJ. (www.rakassah.com.)
Article References:
Shira. Healing Through Oriental Dance: Part 1, Physical Healing
http://www.shira.net/heal-phys1.htm
Morocco. Belly Dancing" and Childbirth Sexology, 1964. http://www.casbahdance.com/
Instructors:
MiaNaja - www.mianaja.org
Amaya - http://www.wisewomandancer.com/
Oreet, creator of SharQui ™ Belldance Fitness Workout - www.sharqui.com
Morocco - www.casbahdance.com
Online Classes:
Suhaila - www.therealsuhaila.com
Dalia Carella- http://www.daliacarella.com/
Back to my point, I love my sister. I’m certain too that you
have friends and relatives who are dear to you that smoke
and drink. To you, the concerned bystander, I urge that you
keep the following points in mind and lovingly let them know
that they may be at risk for oral cancer.
have friends and relatives who are dear to you that smoke
and drink. To you, the concerned bystander, I urge that you
keep the following points in mind and lovingly let them know
that they may be at risk for oral cancer.
- It’s a good idea to look at your mouth in a mirror every
month to check for any abnormal areas. If you've got
something in your mouth that's pearly white and not a
tooth—or that's red and not something you were born
with—it might be a pre-cancerous condition. - A simple, painless procedure can detect pre-cancerous
conditions in the mouth. - Early treatment (if needed) can stop oral cancer
before it really begins. - Don’t delay in seeing a dentist when a sore or unusual
area in the mouth doesn't heal within a couple of
weeks. Passing time without treatment can lower
your chances of surviving any type of cancer. Swift
action might, in fact, save your life! - Quit using tobacco to immediately reduce your chance
of getting oral cancer and several other kinds of
cancer.
For more information on the services of GMCurtis
Marketing Solutions, call Gail at 973-337-8191 or
visit www.gmcurtis.com.
Dr. Haig Rickerby is an accredited general dentist with 20
years of experience in restoring, realigning and replacing
teeth. His practice is located at:
One Journal Square Plaza
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone: 201-656-2221
www.drhrickerby.com
years of experience in restoring, realigning and replacing
teeth. His practice is located at:
One Journal Square Plaza
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone: 201-656-2221
www.drhrickerby.com
There are various articles out about the benefits of belly dancing and Middle Eastern
and North African dance in general on the web. I personally got involved in Belly
dancing as a way to ease back pain and being overweight. I was seeing a Rolfer and
after one of my sessions, I felt it was time I added exercise to my regimen. Seeing two
brochures on the table in the waiting room, I asked her advice. Which one? Belly
dancing or Yoga? She recommended belly dancing saying, “Since belly dancing
strengthens your abdominals, it will strengthen your back, yoga might aggravate your
condition.”
So off to class I went. Luckily, I had a wonderful teacher named Nefret, who was
encouraging and playful and had the class doing improvisations and moving freely, all
while learning the wonderful, sensual art of belly dancing. I have since moved on to
other teachers, certification programs and I’ve even winning competitions! I have
become a dance teacher myself and now direct two troupes. I have also become
certified in SharQui ™ the ONLY fitness certified Belly dancing program and became a
fitness instructor through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA).
and North African dance in general on the web. I personally got involved in Belly
dancing as a way to ease back pain and being overweight. I was seeing a Rolfer and
after one of my sessions, I felt it was time I added exercise to my regimen. Seeing two
brochures on the table in the waiting room, I asked her advice. Which one? Belly
dancing or Yoga? She recommended belly dancing saying, “Since belly dancing
strengthens your abdominals, it will strengthen your back, yoga might aggravate your
condition.”
So off to class I went. Luckily, I had a wonderful teacher named Nefret, who was
encouraging and playful and had the class doing improvisations and moving freely, all
while learning the wonderful, sensual art of belly dancing. I have since moved on to
other teachers, certification programs and I’ve even winning competitions! I have
become a dance teacher myself and now direct two troupes. I have also become
certified in SharQui ™ the ONLY fitness certified Belly dancing program and became a
fitness instructor through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA).
“Statistics regarding depression in African-American women are either non-
existent or uncertain. Part of this confusion is because past published clinical
research on depression in African-American women has been scarce (Barbee,
1992; Carrington, 1980; McGrath et al., 1992; Oakley, 1986; Tomes et al.,
1990). This scarcity is, in part, due to the fact that African-American women
may not seek treatment for their depression, may be misdiagnosed, or may
withdraw from treatment because their ethnic, cultural, and/or gender needs
have not been met (Cannon, Higginbotham, & Guy, 1989; Warren, 1994a). In
addition, there are few available culturally competent researchers who are
knowledgeable regarding the phenomenon of depression in African-American
women. Subsequently, African-American women may not be available to
participate in depression research studies.”
existent or uncertain. Part of this confusion is because past published clinical
research on depression in African-American women has been scarce (Barbee,
1992; Carrington, 1980; McGrath et al., 1992; Oakley, 1986; Tomes et al.,
1990). This scarcity is, in part, due to the fact that African-American women
may not seek treatment for their depression, may be misdiagnosed, or may
withdraw from treatment because their ethnic, cultural, and/or gender needs
have not been met (Cannon, Higginbotham, & Guy, 1989; Warren, 1994a). In
addition, there are few available culturally competent researchers who are
knowledgeable regarding the phenomenon of depression in African-American
women. Subsequently, African-American women may not be available to
participate in depression research studies.”
Order your copy of "Soul Walk--40 Days of Devotions and
Meditations" by Quinita E. Good in our MarketPlace section.
Soul Walk is a wonderful collection of meditations by gifted poet and writer, Quinita
Edmonia Good. Each meditation, inspired by proverbs, wise sayings, and gems of
wisdom from people from all walks of life, gently reminds us of our worth as human
beings. . .
Meditations" by Quinita E. Good in our MarketPlace section.
Soul Walk is a wonderful collection of meditations by gifted poet and writer, Quinita
Edmonia Good. Each meditation, inspired by proverbs, wise sayings, and gems of
wisdom from people from all walks of life, gently reminds us of our worth as human
beings. . .
Gail M. Curtis is the founder and
principal of GMCurtis Marketing
Solutions, a consulting firm that
provides strategic and effective
marketing solutions for business,
organizations and entrepreneurs.
principal of GMCurtis Marketing
Solutions, a consulting firm that
provides strategic and effective
marketing solutions for business,
organizations and entrepreneurs.