Tuesday November 27, 02:28 PM
Anorexics and others struggling with eating disorders are getting relief from clowning around, literally.
An unusual course in circus skills is helping people with disordered eating overcome their compulsive tendencies by juggling, tightrope walking and aerial swinging.
The world-first program aims to build trust and encourage patients, particularly those with anorexia and bulimia, reconnect with their bodies in a unique environment, says group co-ordinator Jani White, from Melbourne's NorthWestern Mental Health.
It also helps patients develop a healthier attitude to exercising, Ms White said.
"In recent years there has been an increase in the number of eating disorder patients for whom exercising excessively to achieve or maintain low weights has been a major problem," she said.
"Interventions to interrupt this compulsive cycle are recommended, but it presents a dilemma because moderate levels of exercise can be effective in promoting a sense of wellbeing and can be a great way to build social and recreational interests."
The pilot program uses performance circus skills - acrobalance, aerials, juggling and hula hoops - to help people build trust and learn positive risk-taking while also developing strength and flexibility.
"Learning and executing circus skills requires a lot of concentration," Ms White said.
"Unlike running on a treadmill, swinging from a trapeze or climbing a rope has an edge to it that demands attention."
She said three of the six patients enrolled in the pilot program have gone on to join mainstream exercise classes "with a new and clear understanding about the role of exercise, in both sustaining their illness and in treating it".
It is expected the program will be rolled out in Melbourne next year once ongoing funding is secured.
http://nz.news.yahoo.com/071127/9/2qlx.html
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