The dance gets my large muscles loose and my brain relaxed. It has everything to do with core strength. Have you done any further music therapy with special needs children? The drum is a member of the percussion group of musical instruments.In the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system, it is a membranophone. Doing this for 15 years has also helped me get over shyness. It requires thought and muscle control that other musicians dream about. , Christine, When I first started, I could barely do a roll up. Thank you. For more than 50 years, Kripalu has been a leader in yoga- and mindfulness-based education. I wish we had more access to places to drum and an unlimited number of drums to share. Your gift helps create a more awakened, compassionate, and connected world. You can see and hear how hard Lars was working. Arthur Hull has training as well. https://www.scribd.com/document/28220586/Therapeutic-Effects-of-Drumming, My friend has been trying to get me to join a drumming circle for quite a while. Dr. Christiane Northrup, your article is very informative, and I believe it is for a purpose Im on your page today. And yes it is incredibly difficult. Neck and shoulder pain. The diversity of mammals that drum in varied contexts suggest independent evolution in different lineages. Any recommendations as to where, or what kind of drums? It is not therapeutic to me with metastatic breast cancer and a husband with PTSD. Thank you for the reminder to schedule another event. Blessings, Julie. Anyway, that whole time I drummed where and when I could, but I have two shoulders that spontaneously pop out of the sockets if I move them wrong and the pain I feel is about an 11/10 when that happens. maybe you just explained it. And you right. Maybe next time Ill share a bite of perspective of the drum through my Ojibwe culture. Might only be in the US, though,). I have been participating in these Native American Drumming Circles since 2007. Drumming has been proven in human clinical research to do the following six things: 1. We have a womens percussion performance group so between classes and practices I probably drum 5 days a week. I think we need some Thundergods in Portland Maine playing beside the Atlantic ocean. Being able to write and record all parts of your own music is another huge reason why every musician should learn to play drums. 5. I joined a drumming circle 6 months ago, and didnt understand the experience which was off the charts feeling so connected and accepted by these fellow drummers . So happy its helped you. Drumming also functions in interspecific communication when prey animals drum to communicate to predators that they are too alert for a successful ambush. West African drumming is my passion. TINGLING UP MY SPINE TO THE TOP OF MY HEAD!!!!!!! I live in St. Louis and would like more info on your retreat. We have gone way beyond the campfire drum circle! I need the drums, so I came back for a couple more times. https://www.facebook.com/lesfemmesdekissidugu/. I loved them. Anthropologist Michael Harner, founder of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, did pioneering work in the 1960's and 70's in studying the effects of drumming. Thank you. I hope that many more medical professionals like yourself promote recreational drumming and its health benefits. All the best to you, Rock Star! I ask because I am compiling some literature which demonstrates some of the benefits of drumming and I wish to include as much evidence as possible. Nothing sends out unconditional love more than that. I play music from my I pad from u tube and record it on my phone. It is an honor to participate. I am always happy after just one song! Love love love love love this! This should not discourage anyone from drumming. My Mum and I were introduced to shamanic drumming and we go to drumming workshops at weekends. I fell in love with it the first class. Ashe ! I have been Drumming since I saw Ringo Starr with the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. Hey, MartinI, too, am almost 57 yrs old and, like you, picked up the drums when I was 16. The most important thing we are doing is communicating and making one another feel good. The connection you feel to others in the drumming circle must also be good for mental health. Hi Martin, I just read your comment and thought maybe its time to change the type of your drum Im no specialist at all, but I started joining occasional drum-meditation-evenings, and up until then I thought drum is drum but the lady who leads the evenings explained that there are fire drums, that are mor about whats going on outside like the african drums that are very common and the shamanic drums she uses, they take you back to yourself so you are centered within yourself. I get exercise, work my left and right brain, connect with others on a deeper level than just talking, and It always lifts my self esteem. Hi Yet, in its simplicity, it was profound, soothing and comforting to the rest of us.. Ashland, OR. If you know of some Grant Money available for me to acquire Drums to volunteer at our local Jouvenile Detention Center, Hospital and Nursing Homes, I would appreciate any info you have. My daughter did West African dance in college. Drumming seems like the outlier to me. The key points that the scholar discussed are: "There is no verse in the Quran directly prohibiting music but there are indications." - Dr. Zakir Naik According to Dr. Naik, Keith Moon describes himself as the "greatest Keith Moon-Type Drummer in the world.". This is significant, because that balance is exceedingly hard to come by in modern day life, and brings with it deep healing. Yes, jello was a surprise. During this covid crisis and feeling very tense and negative, I looked him up on youtube. Ellise P. Thanks for this great overview of drumming and its beneficial effects. If you had a bad day before starting to drum you cant even think about it. Because it's a pure art form. I got a drum from my daughter for my birthday and I practice everyday. Women's Health Expert, Visionary Health Pioneer, Wellness Speaker, and New York Times Best-Selling Author Read More, Yes, I understand that by completing this form I am agreeing to receive email messages from Dr. Northrup & can unsubscribe at any time. Janice I admire you for your pole dancing. There was also a period of time I think when Lars wasn't practicing. I hope that this inspires you in some way. Thank you for popping that bubble for me. the frequency of the sound, released from the drum synchronises with the brain waves of the listener, causing a sort of hypnosis. Ive eliminated this type of teaching style from my program. I felt like we were doing a heavenly deed, alas, the name DRUMS from HEAVEN was born. The only conversation is among the drums and I feel quite comfortable. The basic rock beat is 4/4, so you count 1-2-3-4. I USUALLY SCREAM TOO IN ENJOYMENT!!!!!!! African music is a total art form closely integrated with dance, gesture and dramatization. Its my favorite class yet! Research grants if your area. I am 68 years of age and still enjoy playing a kit of drums even though my wife hates drums. I had my first drum kit 2 weeks later and have been in the pocket ever since. I am also a drumming facilitator in Australia. But you have to surrender . Anyway, we are now in process of forming a regular drumming group. 2. What Are the Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance? CNN . The feeling came back about 5 years ago and I felt the need to play again wonderful! Now, thats the type of health care we need not more pills or sterile tech. In this article, I will discuss the importance of a drummer's impact on an ensemble and how having a musical approach can affect performance or recording. While drums can be left undecorated, most are adorned in a way that is significant to . As for bass, guitar, or keyboard -- it's all about multitasking. Its physics. Our community of drummers & dancers have grown now to crowds of up to 200 over the 10 years of existence. The instructor was very good and I soon found I was drumming along in the circle with a great sense of rhythm and feeling of accomplishment. Just heart breaking for me when I see this. Part of karma, I suppose. Students create music through a hands-on approach. You can catch a glimpse here. Temple Grandin? It also has many social benefits, as our regular participants have become like family. Again, I experienced such profound relaxation at this evening outing. I love seeing more people encouraging people and particularly women to drum. I attended a drumming workshop with Sufi master Adnan Sarhan a few years ago, but did not pursue drumming or dancing at the time. First time: Noise 2nd Time: Ototoxic drug. Don't let the speed get away from you, or you'll ruin everyone's day. I consider myself privileged to share these times. Best of luck. Very accurate and well written article. Okay, so Yoyoka Soma took off in popularity a couple of years ago. We want to use of the phone lines so pain gets a busy signal- caveat, it works for about 3 minutes. Funnily enough the first day I did drumming I got sinus infection followed by a chest infection and then the next week a stomach cramp that put me in hospital so I dont believe it improves immune system but it might be flushing things out. drumming is so mush better than just beating on something. All types of drums and percussion can create such a special blend, its like nothing else. I have gone to a few drumming circles with different leaders. I love and admire that you have started pole dancing. She is a goddess of joy who inspires everyone around her with her drum facilitation and improvisation work! I am now putting together a program that integrates Drumming with Reiki. With the release of feel-good chemicals, increased energy, and physical and energetic balance, drumming leads to simply feeling really good and full of happiness. We have drum circles on my 70 acre nature retreat an hour outside St. Louis around a fire and it completely restores the soul. This article is amazing and well written, has definitely educated me a difference sense and giving more Love for drumming. What a wonderful service you offer, Patty. I do have a music and dance background, so drumming was not difficult for me to learn and its every bit as joyous as music and dance. HI Rick thank you SO much for this reply. They did indulge me though, for my 65th birthday they let me have a Drum Circle. In the circle, you will see everything from shakers to the bigger instruments like I mentioned. I am also looking at getting a cajon, which might not suit someone with back problems but there is a model that you can sit across your lap. Thank you for sharing this article. Ive been drumming for 47 years and several personality tests, including Briggs Meyers, that Ive taken show that I am not right or left hemisphere dominant. After three years of kickboxing training which was the toughest training I have ever experienced and I became incredibly strong and fit, I have taken up pole dancing. Everyone who came felt the vibe of goodness. I was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2004. Thank you SO much for sharing this here. Soreness is a good thing! I have been playing the drums for about 5 months now and I will tell you emphatically that I am thinking better and FEELING a sense of love in my heart, a rhythmic flow to my life and overall improvement being able to think a little quicker I was displaying symptoms of an 80 year old but now I am feeling younger and younger. I am about to release a set of workshops I have developed focused on using hand drumming circles to help kids with ASD. The steady beat of Theta drumming is a powerful tool for brain health because, by the very nature of its constant rhythm, it permeates the entire brain, bringing both hemispheres into rhythmic balance. Marla The drummers from Mali were other- worldly. It is joyful, stress relieving and so much fun. My first thought was How fun! Allison Gemmel Laframboise is a cofounder of the KDZ Drummers and Handsdown Productions. Depending on their age and personality, kids have a lot of energy. A Winter Cocoon of Connection: The Benefits of a Silent Retreat, Call Registrations at 413.448.3500 or email at registration@kripalu.org, Call Registrations at 413.448.3500 or email registration@kripalu.org. The sound of drumming generates new neuronal connections in all parts of the brain. Thank you Dr. Northrup for sharing your informed perspective! It is one of the only social media feeds I can watch now that makes me feel better instead of more anxious. That was one of the best compliments Ive ever got from such an inspirational person. Amazing comment. I guess you could say that the drums saved my life. In addition, at a point during the ceremony I will offer drum healing to those who have interest. Lovely sound. This is what most cultures would consider a "manly" duty. It clears negativity and is anti-bacterial I believe too. Then I bought a jemba (spelling?) I have been playing the djembe since around 2010. My feelings grew very strong towards helping some of the survivors. Here's why you should consider providing the gift of drum to that youngster: 1. I am also an Army veteran and have been facilitating percussion /drum/music therapy groups and classes at the VA and several special education schools for many years. 413.448.3500 multiple drummers can create thick, interlocking rhythmic textures. Terms of Use.*. At the age of 63 I fulfilled something on my bucket list, I started taking drum lessons! My daughter has friends that have a coffee house and my 2 friends and myself will probably play there. I know I have a bad posture, and I am trying to keep upright. Given a little encouragement they brighten up, lighten up and have an experience of being worthy and appreciated. Modern Taiko History. All rights reserved. I have had a rough year, lost my job, death of a pet, family problems, car accident and some other minor issues. AND ADRENALINE BEING RELEASED!!!!! I facilitate drumming event for people of all walks of life and see this reaction on people in many environments including harsh environments like a prison. Its good exercise for the brain, as it requires conscious effort tol isten to the music and pick up the beat. Hard to keep your mouth in front a microphone while beating the far edges of a kit. And outside of them. My name is Katy Lantz but really its Kay Flava. Thank you for your contributions, I am a fan. I love drumming. We also have a singing group specifically for Parkinsons people, so Im keeping busy. I will be sure to tell my wife that we should get our son into drumming! I am a part of a cardio drumming group in Wyandotte MI and I LOVE IT! He was kinda messed up BUT when she finally asked him about lessons for me (knowing he needed any extra money) that is when the magic started. I would like to hear more of your success. Veronica, Rhythm is that which is unseen but felt. But I personally think this rhythm exist in basically kinds of music. Youve written a wonderful expose on the therapeutic & social benefits of drumming. I believe this has to do with entrainment as you drum together in rhythm, your own hearts and bodies begin to entrain to the same beat. I would probably be hiding under my bed feeling hopeless if it werent for those rehearsals. The spirit takes you. You have a wonderful sense of humor!! Thank you for helping spread the word. They sing random, popular and traditional songs, and I just pick up the rhythm and thump along. (reciprocal learning) Ive noticed, as a result, my level of internal chatter and negative self talk is probably decreased by 50 to 25%. The sharing of traditional knowledge, including drumming and drum making, is done through the passing of teachings from knowledge keeper to learner. What an AMAZING story and post. We are Heavenly drummers! And this ceremony sounds so profound and wonderful. Joy, joy, joy. I believe it never too late to start. Sometimes I brought my vintage p.a. It really gets the brain working as your hands and feet are doing different things. We are a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to empowering people and communities to realize their full potential through the transformative wisdom and practice of yoga. THE FIRST MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.i really cant explain what the feeling is when i play certain songs. The class was held back to finish their math, although one student from the class that was on the spectrum got to come in. I have since explored many other styles of Drumming and in 1994 found myself entrenched in the Drumming of the Native American Healers in my region of Canada. Its like a meditation with your whole being in synch and totally in the moment. Free parking in paved lot at the gazebo, or along east side of causeway/bridge road; $10/all day parking in dirt lot by the pier shop/office (green building) Im known as the rockin grandma by my instructor who is also in her early 60s and awesome. It was decided we would now do our first drum circle as a huge benefit and raise money to send to school age kids and their families in need. DRUMS from HEAVEN has provided venues for the purpose of raising funds for selected charitable causes. I am wondering if you could share the references for the research done on the physical transmission of rhythmic energy to the brain actually synchronizes the left and right hemispheres. Calling it a BS DOESNT HELP!) Theres a physicality in it that reminds me at the cellular level that were all here, just living and matching the pulse of the universe. Here in South Florida dancing is a huge part of the drum circle culture. If you have any comments in general, thoughts please let me know. registration@kripalu.org My music program is a performing art music program, which incorporates together both; drum therapy and dance movement therapy combined. I instantly agreed and told her I was sure god wanted him to teach me the drums. But thats no reason to accept not ever playing the drums again. Hello, i have a GOD GIVEN TALENT TO PLAY AND ENJOY THE PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT. Michael Drake wrote the above, almost verbatim back in 2006. The difficulty here is this info is driven by a few pathways; pain & neuro reflexes being the primary ones. Kripalus evidence-based resilience program, RISE, is anchored in the science of mindfulness, yoga, and positive psychology. Patty Aulik, Director One tragedy, at least in Great Britain, is that funding for the arts is generally being cut at a time when more people need these benefits. These are questions that have puzzled exercise scientists for some time, and studies have not confirmed one way or the other whether exercise will make your skin look younger. Rhythm is anything that repeats itself in time: the moon cycling around the earth, sap rising in the spring, the pulsing arteries of the body. In order to change the root of posture the reason your neurology is altering it must be found. Senses are engaged unanimously in this type of learning. My mother introduced me to it and she loves drumming in a circle or anywhere, she is 81. It was magical and I miss it!! Love the hashtag: #drumsnotdrugs Brilliant. Performing drummers and dancers recognize how music and changes in music effect each other. Drumming also appears to synchronize the lower areas of the brain (non-verbal) with the frontal cortex (language and reasoning). Through the efforts of about 100 people, drummers and or dancers alike, we came together for an extraoidinary night of percussion. And I know that it will help a LOT of people. And such a beautiful example of something healing and uplifting coming from loss. So that means usually once or twice a week for two hours I am totally concentrating On my timing and the pattern on playing. Ill have to look into getting her a custom drum for Christmas as a way to get started! Hi, thanks for your wonderful article!! NOTE: I am not affiliated in any way with this drumming programit simply works for me, thats all Im saying. (I know! I am in a situation where i need to set up my drums within a four walled room with an A/C and even a bed to sleep during the nights.Does breathing those skins of the drum affect our health ? lightly slap the back and sides of your upper neck for 10sec. 6. Sorry Big Pharma but drumming is much safer and more effective. Since I am doing some personal research on drumming and health, I wonder whether you might supply some citations for the research mentioned above. Get friends or family members to join you. Im a drummer (not a professional though) and always felt that I need to use my skill for a cause that adds value. Could you possibly work with a trainer to see what can be done to change this for you? This accelerates my brain and provides additional stimulation to the mind and soul. It's a huge advantage to have, whether you're starting a solo project or putting demos together to take to a band. Research shows that the physical transmission of rhythmic energy to the brain actually synchronizes the left and right hemispheres. Snarepy!! I suffer from anxiety and PTSD and it such a useful tool for alleviating stress and keeping you grounded n the present. This integration produces feelings of insight and certainty. Drumming is so beneficial, Im glad you found a way to still partake in it, even if you are a self-proclaimed asocial introvert. Forward and/or rotated head posture is pain from the brainstem and above, or neuropathic pain. I took SO many music lessons and yet never really learned to MAKE music until relatively recently. I never knew there was scientific reasoning behind it! the power of music and drumming within a fitness class is revolutionary. I think its great for anyone actually. 3. Copyright 2023 Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. Health is being physical social and mental well being while being free from illness specific fitness is performing specific activities at high level without becoming tired easily general fitness is performing everyday activities without becoming tired easily. So moving reading your story ,many blessings ..Im so happy to have drumming in my life. #drumsnotdrugs. It was truly awe inspiring. Christiane. Drumming Boosts Confidence. Feel free to reach out! Thanks! I have chronic pain from a pinched nerve (sciatic) in my back. I love hearing what youre doing. I already had 6 drums but making my own is also so wonderful! I added elements that are both beneficial and create the love for music.