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Drumming To Wellness:
Finding Your Inner Rhythm
by Sue Kilp APRN, BC
Group drumming has become increasingly popular within the holistic health community. Our innate need to experience rhythm whether with others or quietly alone, when we think no one is observing, has made group drumming a viable option that can be easily incorporated into our wellness routine. When individuals come together to experience group drumming, their perceived limitations imposed by age, background, culture, challenges or personal beliefs seem to slowly dissipate into the group rhythm.
Opinion varies as to the origins of drumming. We do know that drumming has been used as part of the oldest healing rituals known to man. Humankind has drummed throughout history to announce, celebrate, heal, and mourn. Rhythm, the dynamic pulse created by a drum and other percussion instruments, affects our minds, body, and spirit at many different levels. Drumming has been found to positively alter the brainwave patterns, thereby reducing the levels of stress.
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Barry Bittman, MD, a well-known neurologist, researcher and Medical Director of the Mind-Body Wellness Center in Meadville, PA conducted extensive research on drumming as a healing strategy. Dr. Bittman’s research indicated that group drumming strengthens the immune systems by increasing the levels of natural killer cells. These cells are produced by the immune system to help fight off disease. Improved mood and a decrease in levels of burnout were additional benefits suggested by Dr. Bittman’s research.
The benefits of drumming have been noted in individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It seems that this group can connect with their loved ones better while sharing the experience of creating rhythm within a drumming circle. Parkinson’s patients have also been known to experience improvements in their symptoms after adding drumming to their wellness routine.
Other known benefits attributed to drumming include the following:
- increased levels of relaxation
- enhanced creativity
- promotes healthy interactions between group participants
- awakened consciousness
- group cohesiveness exhibited by laughter, joy and spontaneity
- individualization as each individual is allowed to find and express their unique inner rhythm
Drumming groups are found within many communities. Some of the more common groups are: corporate and community team building, cognitive, emotionally, and physically challenged, men and women’s empowerment, children’s, and sacred ritual and healing. The group facilitator adopts an active or passive role depending on the needs of the group. Guiding rather than leading allows the group rhythm to develop more naturally. The experience of creating music is like encountering a moment of enchantment. To watch a room of individuals with little or no previous experience with music or each another unite to one dynamic pulse is nothing less than magical. This phenomenon that occurs in group drumming when two or more independent rhythms become in sync with each other to form one rhythm is called musical entrainment.
Health Rhythms, is a research based group empowerment drumming program. The Health Rhythm philosophy is that empowerment drumming is not about performance, but rather encourages personal expression by giving individuals permission to play in a non-judgmental environment. This unique approach allows for everyone to join in at their own pace and leave with the awareness that each individual can find and experience their inner rhythm. In a fun and festive environment wellness, research, joy and rhythm assemble time and time again.
Group Drumming Imagery Experience
Gather a few friends, neighbors or family members. Borrow, purchase or improvise a few drums and several percussion instruments. A few wooden sticks, a tin can, a plastic bottle with marbles or anything that you can create rhythm with will work just fine. Tapping of the feet or using the hands to tap on your thigh is also acceptable. Have someone read the following imagery aloud, or record and play. Assemble the participants in a circle if possible. Take a few deep breaths, close your eyes if you choose and begin your relaxing journey.
“Image yourself outdoors and in the presence of nature. Use all of your senses. Breathe the air, feel the gentle wind against your face (pause). Become aware of natures heavenly flawlessness as you find yourself slowly entering the astonishing and invigorating world of the jungle. The jungle is full of mystery, color and majestic wildlife. Take a few moments to explore the wildlife (pause). As you image yourself journeying into nature’s home, you are mesmerized by the multiplicity of animated foliage in hues of green, earth tones and other colors of your choosing. You become aware of the faint drumbeat and other indigenous instruments that manifest themselves in your heart and soul. The drumbeat becomes stronger and louder as you approach the village. Your adventurous side kicks in. Your heartbeat grows strong and you become aware of your inner rhythm. You can feel your hearts strong beat in anticipation of joining in the village celebration. You bring with you your drum, wisdom and sense of awe. If you are not already, you find yourself beginning to drum, to tap your feet or participate in any other way ( pause) Surprisingly, you are able to join in on the beat as if being guided by one of nature’s rhythmic influences ( 2-4 minute pause). As you open your eyes, you become aware that you are in a drumming circle and surrounded by familiar faces.”
You can choose to stop the rhythm and share your experience with others, remain silent or continue the rhythm until it naturally fades. Congratulations, you have just experienced your first journey into the magical world of the drumming circle!
Phone: 480-277-1577
Email: sue@anasazihealing.com
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