Music therapy makes use of the physical and mental healing properties of music to help treat a range of different ailments. Drum therapy came from the ancient traditions of shamanic drumming and is a specific type of music therapy. Drum therapy has been scientifically proven to promote healing and is not the new-age fad which may have previously been suggested.
Drumming is embraced as a ritual in many cultures, and is used in healing by Mongolian shamans and West African healers. Some Native American groups have made their traditional drumming a part of alcoholism recovery programs. The drum is commonly used to unite people and bring about a trance-like state. Modern music therapists take advantage of this uniting power, and find drumming helpful to patients who find it difficult or impossible to otherwise express themselves.
Drum therapy has been the subject to more recent research. Its effectiveness has been proven through scientific studies, and also verified that it boosts the immune system and provides physical exercise. Drumming can activate the body's natural pain-killing endorphins. The teamwork of a drum circle provides the kind of emotional support associated with lengthened lifespan. Using the aspects of drumming proven to give health benefits, researchers have developed the HealthRHYTHMS Drumming Protocol. Remo, the drum head manufacturer, supports the HealthRHYTHMS Drumming Protocol in partnering with music therapists.
Drumming enhances thought processes through rhythm which synchronizes the brain's hemispheres and cortices. Because drumming activates so many different parts of the brain, it can help to overcome nerve damage, such as that suffered in a stroke. Drumming also lessens the damaging effects of stress. A study of nursing home staff who participated in weekly drumming sessions noticed a stress reduction of up to 62%, plus a dramatic decline in staff turnover over the following year. An additional study saw a reduction in student dropout rates, while yet another identified discipline improvements among troubled youths.
Practitioners of drum therapy are skilled at making their patients comfortable with the instruments. Often drum circles will have participants who are of varying levels of skill and experience. The layering of simple patterns creates a beautiful and complex tapestry, in which each individual plays an essential part. Despite playing as a group there is still the opportunity to improvise and allow self expression. The uniting effect of drumming synchronizes parts of the brain and also brings together people in drumming circles. A profession as a music therapists can be extremely rewarding, it provides a different avenue down which musicians can progress.
Drumming is embraced as a ritual in many cultures, and is used in healing by Mongolian shamans and West African healers. Some Native American groups have made their traditional drumming a part of alcoholism recovery programs. The drum is commonly used to unite people and bring about a trance-like state. Modern music therapists take advantage of this uniting power, and find drumming helpful to patients who find it difficult or impossible to otherwise express themselves.
Drum therapy has been the subject to more recent research. Its effectiveness has been proven through scientific studies, and also verified that it boosts the immune system and provides physical exercise. Drumming can activate the body's natural pain-killing endorphins. The teamwork of a drum circle provides the kind of emotional support associated with lengthened lifespan. Using the aspects of drumming proven to give health benefits, researchers have developed the HealthRHYTHMS Drumming Protocol. Remo, the drum head manufacturer, supports the HealthRHYTHMS Drumming Protocol in partnering with music therapists.
Drumming enhances thought processes through rhythm which synchronizes the brain's hemispheres and cortices. Because drumming activates so many different parts of the brain, it can help to overcome nerve damage, such as that suffered in a stroke. Drumming also lessens the damaging effects of stress. A study of nursing home staff who participated in weekly drumming sessions noticed a stress reduction of up to 62%, plus a dramatic decline in staff turnover over the following year. An additional study saw a reduction in student dropout rates, while yet another identified discipline improvements among troubled youths.
Practitioners of drum therapy are skilled at making their patients comfortable with the instruments. Often drum circles will have participants who are of varying levels of skill and experience. The layering of simple patterns creates a beautiful and complex tapestry, in which each individual plays an essential part. Despite playing as a group there is still the opportunity to improvise and allow self expression. The uniting effect of drumming synchronizes parts of the brain and also brings together people in drumming circles. A profession as a music therapists can be extremely rewarding, it provides a different avenue down which musicians can progress.
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