Maybe you've never picked up a drum and you don't see yourself as "musical", but you've felt a sense of curiosity about having a go at playing a drum?
Drumming has been a part of so many cultures for thousands of years and its popularity isn't on the decline now. The primal sense of connecting with the drum, the feel of the skin and the rhythms it creates have a strong pull and rightly so. The rhythms of our body, our natural heartbeat and our brainwaves all sync to the beat of a drum and can have so many benefits, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
Drumming can have positive effects on your health and may help with many conditions from stress, fatigue, and anxiety, to hypertension, asthma, chronic pain, arthritis, mental illness, addiction, and even cancer.
So if you're still on the fence - here's 10 great reasons why you should listen to that voice and pick up a drum...
Makes you happy. Participate in a drum circle and you will see how happy it makes you. Drumming releases endorphins, enkephalins and Alpha waves in the brain, which are associated with general feelings of well-being and euphoria.
Induces deep relaxation. In one study, blood samples from participants who participated in an hour-long drumming session revealed a reversal in stress hormones. As we move from Alpha to Theta brainwaves we become super relaxed and this can induce a wonderful trance like state.
Helps control chronic pain. Drumming can certainly serve as a distraction from pain. And, it promotes the production of endorphins and endogenous opiates, which are the body’s own morphine-like painkillers.
Boosts your immune system. Studies show that drumming circles boost the immune system. Barry Bittman, MD and neurologist, has shown that group drumming actually increases natural T-cells, which help the body combat cancer as well as other viruses, including Covid.
Creates a sense of connectedness. Drumming circles and group drumming classes provide an opportunity for “synchronicity” in that you connect with your own spirit at a deeper level while also connecting with other like-minded people.
Aligns your body and mind with the natural world. The Greek origin of the word “rhythm” is “to flow.” Drumming allows you to flow with the rhythms of life by simply feeling the beat.
Provides a way to access a higher power. Shamans often use drumming as a means to integrate mind, body and spirit. They focus on the whole body and then integrate the healing at both the physical and spiritual level by drumming, which connects spiritual forces.
Releases negative feelings. The act of drumming can serve as a form of self-expression. You can literally drum out your feelings. When held, negative emotions can form energy blockages. The physical stimulation of hitting the drums can help remove those blockages. Drumming has even been used therapeutically to help addicts deal with their emotions.
Puts you in the present moment. While drumming you are moving your awareness toward the flow of life. When you are flowing with the rhythm of life you cannot be caught up in your past or worrying about your future.
Allows for personal transformation. Drumming stimulates creative expression. When you drum in a group, you not only get to self-express, but you get feedback from the other drummers. It’s the equivalent of talk therapy! Drum circles provide a means of exploring your inner self, and expanding your consciousness while being part of a community.
My drum circle runs on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month at Wellness Barn Marlow. Look out for an online circle coming soon.
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