Drumming as Therapy

Studies have shown that music, along with other positive attributes, can have a profoundly healing affect. Music therapy has been used with great results in pain management, correctional and rehabilitational settings, with those who have suffered a trauma or crisis, Alzheimer's patients, autistic patients, and with a whole host of other conditions and settings.

Drumming in particular, has been shown to have many positive affects. Drumming stimulates the right hemisphere of the brain, which is responsible for emotion, intuition, creativity, and relaxation. This stimulation reduces blood pressure (and stress and anxiety by extension) as well as decreases pain levels for those suffering from chronic pain. Research also indicates that music and drumming increases your level of dopamine (the feel-good neurotransmitter), which helps those battling depression or other mental illnesses. 

One notable example of the powerful healing affects of drumming comes from Idris Hester, who claims to have drummed away four brain tumors. Now a certified health rhythms facilitator, he's acquired the nickname "Miracle Man" for overcoming his terminal diagnosis. His goal is to perpetuate the healing drumming can provide. He states, "different cultures use the drums for wellness and wholeness, and I thought, 'Why aren't we doing this here?'"

Another example is Mark Seaman. A recovering addict, Seaman claims to have undergone a personal transformation with drumming which has led him to start his own drum therapy program. "Because addicted people are very self-centered, are disconnected, and feel isolated even around other people, the drumming produces the sense of connectedness that they are desperate for," he says. "All of us need this reconnection to ourselves, to our soul, to a higher power. Drums bring this out. Drums penetrate people at a deeper level. Drumming produces a sense of connectedness and community, integrating body, mind and spirit."

Promoting personal healing with drumming can be as simple as picking up a djembe and joining a drum circle. As research continues to be brought forth proving the deeply healing affects of rhythm, music and drum therapy will likely continue to gain momentum as widespread alternative treatments.