The ancient Indian science of dance, Natya Sastra, had 108 basic dance movements, Karanas. Over the centuries the science of dance was lost with a number of modern modifications to the ancient system being introduced. Luckily, the core of each of these 108 movements is depicted in the temple at Chidambarum in India so that the science of dance therapy can be re-created. The first volume of the book "Natya Sastra of Bharatmuni" ed by KL Joshi, chapter 4, describes each Karana and also has illustrations of the core of each sequence.

Each of these 108 positions correspond to one of the 45 key human emotions. Holding a posture will enhance the emotion that it corresponds to. The length of time that the posture needs to be held will depend on how quickly you wish your energy sphere to become contented. You will need to perform the two or three postures for the counteracting emotion to the one you suffer from for a maximum total of 30 minutes per week for one year in order to get cured, and become contented in this respect.

In practicing the opposing Karana, only the body, leg and arm movements need to be considered - not the detailed head, hand and foot gestures. Also, one does not need to be concerned with the movement into or out of the posture; nor with the actual emotion being represented - the mind needs to remain calm. For these reasons Indian dance therapy, as distinct from Indian dance, is easy.

A yoga practitioner can incorporate the required posture into his regular routine, in place of some of his standing pose practice. Dance practice will assist but not accelerate the effects of yoga practice and hence is not necessary for yoga practitioners.

The process of assessing which emotion is most disturbing the person seeking help is best done through intuition.

The Loving Heart Centre needs people who are expert in Indian dance or are interested in emotional therapy in order to develop this science.