... or, to be more specific, abdominal health. Now, it is easy for anyone to understand that by using the muscles of the abdominal area to move the pelvis one will strengthen and tone those muscles and be a healthier individual, but in my quest to understand this more thoroughly I have discovered some interesting elements that I wanted to share with my fellow bd afficionadas.

Firstly, bellydance focuses on the use and awareness of the core muscles of the abdominal area. These core muscles are namely the psoas and iliacus muscles (these are often grouped together and referred to as the iliopsoas) that attach to the anterior spine and the inner side of the pelvic basin. (The psoas inserts on the femur thus connecting the truck of the body to the legs.) When contracting in tandem with other supporting muscles the iliopsoas creates movements in the pelvic region.

So what is special about this pattern of contraction specific to bellydance? For one, while it requires strength, it is not so much so that the outer muscles of the body need to be enervated as well. Thus the inner core muscles are being isolated, strengthened, and exercised separately from the outer muscles. We can observe this in the expert bellydancer who is able to shimmy her body fully with just her core muscles while the outer layers of muscle, tissue, and fat jiggle loosely; no easy feat as many of us well know. Secondly, and equally unique, bellydance calls for the special isolating movement of tilting the sides of the pelvis upward and downward. In other words, the contracting of the core muscles, one side at a time, thus moving the crest of the pelvis on that side up toward the ribcage (hip drops, etc.)

Thus in bellydance we find a form of exercise focusing on the muscles of the inner abdomen and legs, all of which attach to the pelvis in its inner basin and at its very base. Of these muscles the iliopsoas muscle is the most important and overall is the key muscle for structural balance in the human body. Ida Rolf, the innovator of Rolfing (deep tissue, structural integration) held that physical, emotional, and spiritual health were impossible without a toned and balanced iliopsoas.

Let's be more specific. The major aorta follows the path of the psoas, passing over the hip joints and into the legs. Also, the lumbar nerve plexus moves through and around the psoas muscle. The kidneys lie on either side of the psoas. The bladder, viscera and reproductive organs lie in front of it. It is this central, interwoven proximity of the psoas to the diaphram, organs, blood and nerves that makes it a unifying form in the body. The psoas provides support for the abdomial organs and viscera and therefore its health, length and strength determines whether there is enough room within the pelvic basin for the organs to function normally. Since the psoas attaches to the femur (leg) bone and is the main flexor muscle in walking, it is activated with every step we take. Its range of motion with contraction squeezes blood through the major arteries into the legs and feet, massages the spinal column, stimulates movement of fluids throughout the cells and enervates the lumbar plexus helping to animate the legs and activate both anal and sexual function.

If the psoas muscle is not balanced, is in a state of contraction or atrophy it will affect reproductive system, not only with regards to blood supply, but also through disruption of the positioning of the organs within the pelvis. Menstrual cramping is often not from cramping inside the uterus, but caused by the psoas exerting pressure on the reproductive organs when they are in a state of tenderness. A healthy released psoas will bring relief from cramping and lower back pain.

Also, the psoas muscle plays a major part in the fear reflex. The significance of this is that, taken together with the muscles' integral proximity to the reproductive organs, this sets the stage for fear being associated with menstruating , reproduction and sexuality. As stated in Koch, 'The Psoas Book' (pg.61), "Insecuriy, shame and embarrassment are often associated with menstruating. The feeling of one's body being out of control can feel very scary."

The physical state and expansion from within of pregnancy can provide a natural way to lengthen and balance the psoas muscle. Extra weight and an increased awareness of the center of the body can bring about a deepening sense of self and a feeling of centeredness. Awareness and "releasing" of the psoas muscle throughout pregnancy and during childbirth can ease the process of giving birth. A stretched, released psoas provides comfort and room for the growing fetus. During labor a toned released psoas allows a downward flow of energy to help a mother let go of the baby. A released psoas quells the fear reflex and facilitates a calmer, easier labor and birth. No wonder belly dance was part of ancient rituals during childbirth!!!

In conclusion, while I'm sure all of us have sensed in their personal experiences what I've described above and understand it to be so, there's nothing like a little scientific explanation to make all that shimmying and undulating all the more important in our lives and.... I guess we're not all that eccentric afterall-- we're on the right track, so keep at it!!

***

Ayshe researches and teaches muscle awareness and muscle-specific approach to learning bellydance technique, and to enhancing the range of motion and articulation of bellydance hipwork.