Preface
The concept of Alternative and complementary therapies promote holistic well-being by combining traditional practices like Yoga, Meditation, Acupressure, Ayurveda, and Herbal remedies with conventional medicine, focusing on balance, prevention, and natural healing of body, mind, and spirit In recent decades, the modern concept of holistic medicine has gained increasing recognition, emphasizing that true health goes beyond the absence of illness. Instead, it seeks to maintain a state of complete well-being for every individual. This philosophy resonates strongly with the World Health Organization's Constitution of 1946, which defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." Dance/Movement Therapy is a therapeutic practice that uses bodily movement to support physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. It is grounded in the belief that the body and mind are closely linked, and that movement can release stress, enhance expression, and restore inner harmony. Acupressure, an ancient healing method works by stimulating specific points on the body to regulate energy flow, ease pain, and activate the body's natural healing capacity. The link between the two becomes evident when we study how certain dance movements unintentionally activate acupressure points. For instance:In Kathak, the repetitive and rhythmic footwork applies natural pressure to areas of the feet connected with vital organs, improving blood flow and energy balance.Hand movements and mudras often engage pressure points on the palms and fingers, which are associated with calming the mind and reducing stress. The rhythm of coordinated movements functions much like cycles of pressure and release in acupressure, leading to relaxation and improved vitality.In this way, dance not only serves as an artistic and emotional outlet but also provides a therapeutic effect similar to acupressure, offering both psychological benefits and physical healing. So, dance therapy and acu ressure are interconnected - while one uses movement for emotional and social integration, the other uses pressure for plusical healing. Together, they offer a holistic approach to health and wellness. It is within this growing global interest in holistic health that dance therapy-and more specifically, Kathak dance therapy-finds its place.
About The Author
With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Rodd Khare is a rmowned Kathak exponent eneunitted to perfection in her art form. She has been teaching Katuk for past two decades in Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Lucknow, where she works as Asistant Professor in ther department of Kathak Dance Born & brought up in Lackaww, she rectived her academic education and dance training in her hometown itself. Her Mother Sent. Suntan Lata Kure has been her first Guru who leamt Kathak under the tutelage of prest Ger Late Pt. Mohanrao Kallianpurkar at Marris Music College, Lucknow. Seeing Ruchi's natural flare and interest in Dance, her parents got her admited in Bhatkhande Music College, Lucknow. She began learning Kathak at the tender age of nine under the tutelage of her Gurus Sent. Derpa Deva & Late Shri Subhash Dedt. Continuing her pursuit of excellence, she completed her Nritya Nipun under the guidance of Guru Dr. Purnima Pande, under whom she embraced the Garn Shishya parampara in order to learn and understand the art of Kathak Dance in a committed way Ruchi has also learnt the finer nuances of Kathak Dance under Padma Vibhshan late Pt. Hirju Maharaj during his workshops. Dr. Ruchi is a perfect example of diligence e brilliance. She has excelled both in academics and the art. As a gold medalist in M.A. (Statistici), she was honored with the Chancellor's Medaj from Lucknow University for being the best student all round in all facultiest. She started career as a Kathak Guru and performer at Rashtriya Kathak Sansthan, Lucknow Pt. Birju Maharaj Kathak Sansthan. Thereafter completing post graduation in Kathak Dan qualifying the UGC NET she further continued her teaching career at Banasthali Vidyape Rajasthan and subsequently she was duly appointed at her Alma Materie. Bhatkhande Sanskr Vishwavidyalaya, Lucknow. Dr. Ruchi Khare is an 'A' Grade artist of Doordarshan and an empanelled artist of India Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). She has received state & national scholarships along wit a Junior Research Fellowship. She has been a recipient of many prestigious awards such as the Swami Haridas Sangeet Sammelan honour, UP Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2014, Shringar Mani Award, Sanskar Bharti Ratna Samman, Legends of Avadh Samman, Govemor's Award, President's Award etc. Dr. Ruchi is a beautiful blend of a performer and a Guru. She holds vast experience of stage as well as training students. Dr. Ruchi has performed in the documentary "Zikr Us Parivash Ka produced by Central Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi on the life and contribution of Ghazal Queen Padma Shri Begum Akhtar. Dr. Ruchi pursued her PILD. on the "Scope of Kathak dance as Healing Therapy (with special focus on Acupressure)" and based on this thesis and its research findings, she published a book, "Therapeutic Magic of Kathak," earlier this year. Before this, Dr. Ruchi co-authored a book along with her Guru, Dr. Purnima Pande, entitled "Yug Drashta," which is dedicated to the life of Nrityacharya Pt. M.S. Kallianpurkar and his contribution to Kathak.
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