Rhythm Healing and the Power of Drumming

Drums Through The Ages

From the earliest times, drums and their rhythms have been at the center of social and cultural activities worldwide; in fact, it is said to be man's oldest musical percussion instrument. However, drums have not always been used for creating music or entertainment. In African tribal cultures, drums bore an essential role during rituals and religious ceremonies for both self-expression and communication purposes. Across history, the drum has been used in warfare, both as a means of giving signals to the soldiers and to create noise and drive fear into the enemy. The drum is a profound and sacred element of Native American culture, believing the drum beat to be in sync with the heartbeat of mother earth.

Drumming For Health

And now? The primitive drumming circle is emerging as a powerful therapeutic tool in the modern technological age. Drums and drumming are increasingly being used to improve health and well-being, personal development, and communication by large companies and corporations, music therapists, youth groups, schools, and even prisons.

Music therapists and therapy programs increasingly use drums and rhythm to promote healing and self-expression. Drumming can be very therapeutic, helping us connect with our inner selves and being a fun way to relax and rejuvenate our minds, body, and soul. Recent research indicates that drumming accelerates physical healing, boosts the immune system, and produces feelings of well-being. Study results demonstrate that drumming is a valuable treatment for stress, fatigue, anxiety, hypertension, asthma, chronic pain, arthritis, dementia, mental illness, migraines, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, stroke, paralysis, emotional disorders, ADHD sufferer's, people with learning difficulties, a wide range of physical disabilities as well as for recovering addicts, older people, troubled adolescents, and prisoners.

Drumming induces deep relaxation, lowers blood pressure, and reduces stress. Moreover, drumming promotes the production of endorphins, the body's own morphine-like painkillers, and can help control pain and those suffering grief. Drumming and rhythm are powerful tools as they permeate the entire brain. The sound of drumming generates neuronal connections in all parts of the brain, even where there is significant damage or impairment, such as in ADHD. The process of drumming engages both the linear, rational left side of the brain (in the learning of polyrhythmic parts and the analysis of how rhythms fit together) and the creative, intuitive right side of the brain (in the entrainment of rhythm in the body and the appreciation of the music). The two brain hemispheres often emanate different wave frequencies; drumming, like deep meditation, brings them into synchronization, creating feelings of euphoria and flowing creativity.

Group drumming can complement traditional talk therapy methods. Players can drum out their feelings without saying a word or without having to reveal their issues. Drumming circles, ensembles, and making music together in a group can be a unifying experience, encouraging self-expression, camaraderie, and lots of hands-on fun!

Drumming together breaks down barriers, builds personal and team confidence, releases stress, motivates, and creates spontaneity.

Drumming Improves Communication

Many companies and corporations are searching for consultants to organize drumming workshops as team-building programs. The workshops aim to encourage employees to work more effectively - playing drums together becomes a metaphor for how people work together as a team. The workshops aim to improve communications, break down barriers, boost morale, motivate, re-energize staff, cut stress, and increase productivity. As walls are broken down, and the junk falls away, people become more honest with each other, and conflicts are resolved, leaving the team more in tune with each other.

The rhythm and order of drumming provides a creative outlet for even the most hardened individual. Drumming workshops have been used in prisons and with young offenders - providing innovative ways to re-channel negative energy, diffuse anger, and build team spirit through the power of percussion.

Many community groups, youth groups, and centers have introduced informal drumming workshops to bring children and adults together in a fun-filled, cooperative environment where they build community, create music, and learn a new skill they can take away and share with their friends. Drumming captures the heart of most who encounter it. Drummers don't have to worry about melody or chords; no previous musical experience is required.

So it seems the drum continues to play a central role in our society. Why not find the rhythm and beat of your drum? There are many drumming communities across the country promising anxiety release, physical toning, spiritual growth, creativity, and personal empowerment while being a whole lot of fun - who couldn't use that?

Drumming Outdoors

There’s nothing like drumming outdoors! The Conga Drums, Rainbow Sambas, Babel, and Cajon Drums from Percussion Play allow you to enjoy drumming in the great outdoors and create some great music alone or with friends. Outdoor Drums are a great alternative playground activity, boosting their hand-to-eye coordination and inviting children to make authentic funky beats. Their unique look, colorful style, and innovative, robust design provide children with hours of fun.

(Not Just For Children....)