The Health Benefits of Beating Your Own Drum. 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. Contact Heather or Deb at the Soulstice Wellness center. Ive used it for special needs students. He wanted to have a percussion session instead of gym class, but I had an art project with another class. The good news is there are two primary issues that are usually found here, jaw pain and upper neck (c1,c2) pain. The connection you feel to others in the drumming circle must also be good for mental health. Hopefully, that will erode the stigma of a hippy culture that drumming seems to conjure up (my Mom could never understand my love of drumming). Im a POUND master trainer and our classes are so much more than keeping fit. You can reap many of the same benefits from yoga, which is why the two are such excellent complements. Its good exercise for the brain, as it requires conscious effort tol isten to the music and pick up the beat. I dont know how I would have been able to make it through those extremely difficult days and the time after his death without the benefits of drumming and the supportive community that came from it. I majored in music at Shepherd College and Berklee College of Music. Have you ever tried drumming? Drumming has also been used therapeutically since ancient times. RhythmU, who yoU are Beat by Beat. In the circle, you will see everything from shakers to the bigger instruments like I mentioned. All funds raised, minus costs are turned over to that charitable need. Tip 2: Play to a Backing Track with a Click. By clicking Submit below, or otherwise using or visiting www.DrNorthrup.com, you hereby agree to all of the terms and conditions set forth in Christiane Northrup, Incs Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We used drums to welcome folks and as a background to prayers as we scattered his ashes on the mountain and into the river. When the brain changes from Beta waves (concentration) to Alpha waves, you feel calm and relaxed. I would think some people might get stimulated, and so this might not be a sleep remedy. So delighted to hear this ! It is an activity that is good because it burns calories and it is fun. Any help and advice would be appreciated, I am in rural France. Im so grateful to have found my passion! Your experience will help so many people. We integrate some African rhythms with a lot of improvisation and creative expression through the drums and dancing. I love the satisfaction of my hands being coordinated, feeling the rhythm the hearbeat, the PULSE and sharing the energy of syncopation. My life was very short of like minded people until then. We get energized, we get relaxed. All rights reserved. What an amazing story. I CRY AND FEEL HUGE ENDORPHINS. Kripalu R&Ra self-guided experienceallows you the freedom to choose what you need while you're here. I didnt know it at the time, but interestingly, this most heart-wrenching period of my life held the seed for my futuredrumming. My music program is a performing art music program, which incorporates together both; drum therapy and dance movement therapy combined. Orchestral parts aren't always the most demanding. Keep us posted Jean. thanks again for putting this out there, its the best kept secret around in my opinion. But during this time I was able to join an all female drumming band (Batala) and every Saturday morning nothing else matters but hitting my drum. I did. Which three types of compositions were dominant in the Renaissance? ADDRESS: 101 W. Main Street, Sunset Beach NC. I think we need some Thundergods in Portland Maine playing beside the Atlantic ocean. And yes it is incredibly difficult. And it has the possibility to benefit people with a wide range of symptoms. Thank you. This is one drummer who was very careful about his rock drumming technique. Indigenous cultures intertwine drumming, singing and dancing into their societies' political and social fabric. My skills on actual drums are on par..when im beaming Im double speed but even at a normal level my hands get extremely fast but its all about the groove. How can I find groups that practice this type of healing? Why is Syncopation Important? Try classical Pilates. For some of them even their own families dont visit them and if they do it is far and few between. AND ADRENALINE BEING RELEASED!!!!! I hope I could reference your article while Im presenting if its fine with you. Plus, its fun! Amazing comment. Ive made wonderful lifetime friends and we laugh so much sometimes my face hurts! This should not discourage anyone from drumming. After every class I felt better and clear minded. Thats all Ill say about that. Male spiders have many complex courtship rituals and have to avoid being eaten by the females, with the males of most species survive a few matings, and having short life spans. Recently at a Special Needs Conference Ive had a chance to meet and talk with Temple Grandin, I gave her my methodology behind my music program, she told me, you could do good in a kids life. It requires thought and muscle control that other musicians dream about. My son bought a drumming kit as a teenager, and I used to sneak into his room when he wasnt at home and play his drums. I first learned traditional grip and later switched to matched grip. 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. riskylogic, Sep 11, 2017. Performing drummers and dancers recognize how music and changes in music effect each other. Playing in real time I almost immediately found things much more enjoyable and the results were also much more natural sounding to my ear. Everyone's counting on you to set the tempo, drum guy. That's with the above clip of her matching John Bonham (whom many claim is the best . I love and admire that you have started pole dancing. So happy to see your post about this, and obvious endorsement of hand drumming. A-game playing. would bring her 2nd grade student in, also on the spectrum, it was alright by me, and Im sure she knew it was really beneficial for him. Amazing about that health insurer. Love the hashtag: #drumsnotdrugs Brilliant. It clears negativity and is anti-bacterial I believe too. I really want to start,but cant find where to buy a drum. HI Rick thank you SO much for this reply. Thank you for this great comment. They sing random, popular and traditional songs, and I just pick up the rhythm and thump along. It has been a very emotional day as I research the ways in which Drumming can influence our health and well-being. Students enjoy the interactive therapy session that reduces, tension, stress and anxiety, and is highly beneficial for those with; ADHD, ADD, Autism, and neurological disorders. The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I had seen doctors, including an ENT twice and audiologist. If youd like to become a trained drum circle facilitator, you can obtain training through HealthRhythms (www.healthrhythms.org. Its physics. I took SO many music lessons and yet never really learned to MAKE music until relatively recently. System also. The most important thing we are doing is communicating and making one another feel good. Thankyou. West African drumming is my passion. Im in an all-wimmin drum troupe that gathers weekly to practicethey quickly became my soul sisters. I attend 3 hours of classes weeklyjust can hardly get enough of this wonderful, ancient practice. Some of us meditate and focus on their inner being. Keith Moon describes himself as the "greatest Keith Moon-Type Drummer in the world.". Take care and keep on drumming.it is a universal language and a gift of healing from above ! I dont do drum circles but I created customized health and wellness programs that rock (Next Stage Drumming) and I have a drum ministry through my church. At home, you could try a magnesium supplement. Pre-copulatory mate choice processes have been observed . I am a band director with a degree in percussion performance and played and taught Drum and Bugle corp a long time. It means your muscles are getting stronger. Today I put in my earbuds and listened to his incredible drumming, got up and danced, and almost immediately felt better. I fell in love with it the first class. The more connections that can be made within the brain, the more integrated our experiences become. I listen to hip-hop, R&B and pop music and this beat . The men drum and the women dance in our Goddess power. I never knew it was an actual brain reason. Peace, love, joy and drum. Im excited!!!! 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. She just said to me oh I just do this in study hall all the time .. I arrange performance pieces and lead/perform in several different groups. 3. I sing and drum too! It was in 2013when I went to REHAB. Drumming does return life to oneself and makes it even better I think. We (http://www.inrhythm.com.au) have just returned from 2 weeks of drumming sessions within remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory of Australia, working with the school kids. Our connection is strong yet in many cases weve spoken few words. It was truly awe inspiring. The drum is THE universal instrument, for reasons that are both known and unknown. Drums play a vital role in most band setups. Sing on brotherPlay on drummer TommyPurpleHaze. Holistic Healing. A few years later when she was 15, and theres stepmother was in the process of dying from cancer Claire starts his drumming on the tabletop a very fast and well executed handover hand. In order to change the root of posture the reason your neurology is altering it must be found. If you use netting, make sure it is taut and set at least 3 inches from the siding to avoid birds pecking through it. And listening to drum sounds regularly can have the same effect as drumming itself. Drumming is so beneficial, Im glad you found a way to still partake in it, even if you are a self-proclaimed asocial introvert. It boosts brainpower and increases confidence levels. I am a part of a cardio drumming group in Wyandotte MI and I LOVE IT! Why is African drumming often very complex? We have a womens percussion performance group so between classes and practices I probably drum 5 days a week. Doing this for 15 years has also helped me get over shyness. I tried cardio drumming, but it made the back pain worse. TINGLING UP MY SPINE TO THE TOP OF MY HEAD!!!!!!! Drumming is so powerful for overall health for several reasons, the main ones being: It reduces feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. The sound waves are awesome and produce healing, clarity, and stress relief often after just one session. And a vehicle for you to understand the true nature of things and see through the clutter of simple material existence. I do drumming events and drum therapy in the Raleigh, NC area and I do private sessions virtually as well. ck out my website http://www.drumbafitness.com thank you so much i am going to print and pass out to my menbers. Thank you so much for your reply Dr. Northrup. 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. Kripalus evidence-based resilience program, RISE, is anchored in the science of mindfulness, yoga, and positive psychology. 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. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, dietary supplement, exercise, or other health program. I have also been attending drum circles for a few years and have only just recently handcrafted my own drum and drumstick. Or when we need the support of others during trying times. This article is amazing and well written, has definitely educated me a difference sense and giving more Love for drumming. The drum has been part of my Irish culture for millennia, the sound of the drum connects us to our mothers heartbeat, her first communication with us in utero and perhaps the one we need to get back to in order to heal mother/child history. If it is okay I would love to quote you on my website as some further reading for my students and parents. Drumming is such an ancient and healing practice. Thanks for this article! By accident, through a drum massage for chronic pain issues from Cyndi Boot from (www.rhythmicmemory.com), my ear opened up and I have been hearing from that ear ever since. I am writing a dissertation on the experience of live music and its therapeutic effects. I love what I do!! https://youtu.be/V1TtBJ4cQlo, Thank you Dr. Northrup for this informative article about the benefits of drumming. All the best! And I keep getting stronger and more flexible. For the f i rst time, I will be presenting my dream baby of two yearsSNAREPY! And he was even more cautious about the repetition of his general life. NOTE: I am not affiliated in any way with this drumming programit simply works for me, thats all Im saying. One class l had set up for I was going to sing them a couple of songs while playing the drums, just to give them more inspiration on what also can be done while drumming. Drumming isn't an experience that "only" music therapists can use. Youve written a wonderful expose on the therapeutic & social benefits of drumming. This is the truth! The drumming takes my brain to a whole other place. Drummers are important in a band because they act as the timekeeper, lead many of the song transitions, and help build intensity with the volume. Thank you for wording so well. Thank you Dr. Northrup for sharing your informed perspective! or too late now? Yes, jello was a surprise. Over years of practice, drummers appear to modify the way that the two sides of their brain communicate. A sure sign of truth. Christiane. I hope this gives you a little insight into drum therapy. I will cover the types of injuries, how we can deal with them, and how we can prevent them as best we can.. By the end of this article you'll know things like how to spot a hand injury coming up, how we can cure them, how we can play drums with them, and how they can even be a good thing for our drumming. For many people, the challenge is that, somewhere along the way, weve been cut off from our outward expression of rhythm. He was a drummer who always strived to make his performance exceptional. Everything you said about drumming is true. Hope to see you! It sounds exactly what I need. At least that I was taught. You have captured the experience so beautifully. But i came across Dr Northrup site and read your article. When you set up a high frequency, others rise to meet it. left. As well as the foot speed, Joey had incredible speed and stamina from his hands too. It's a part of the turkey hunting experience that can drive normally sane . Thank you for sharing the benefits of drumming. After only 15 minutes of drumming your mind will start to quieten and your body will start to feel release. That was 15 years ago and Im still an active participant. Several years ago I started Reiki drumming which proved to be a huge benefit for those who came in for reiki. stick a tongue depressor across between your teeth, or two or three- (try each variation) and this should turn off (this is temporary for testing sake ) the jaw loop. I never knew that drumming can make one smarter alongside being able to heal physically and emotionally. In his studies he concludes that "the beat of the drum, as used to transport native people into shamanic states . We have maintained the same Native American-based drum circle in south Florida for over ten years now, as well as others. That was a confirmation to me that I was also doing a good job. I have a brain injury from a brain tumor and late effect of epilepsy. I turned 80 in September and try to stay active with exercises like spinning and yoga, so Im very interested in finding out what the Drumming Circle entails and hoping it doesnt include quick movements that will irritate my chronic painful sciatic nerve. YES to everything in this article. Reading this gave me the chills. So that means usually once or twice a week for two hours I am totally concentrating On my timing and the pattern on playing. Or kicked or batted with your left hand. I went down the route of drum machines and programming drum hits but was left frustrated at the tediousness of the process and mediocre results. I have a djembe but like lower tones. You could play a wind instrument and sing in sequence. I play the djembe and ashiko primarily but I also play frame drums. This is why the drum is played so often in powwows and spiritual and religious ceremonies. Plan Your Spring Retreat > | View On Campus FAQs > | Donate Today >. Ive been planning on a workshop where participants will be clapping, tapping, or producing sounds on any objects they feel comfortable. Good luck, Martin. And you right. We drum and dance for the fun of it, we make each other happy and while we do this we try and help raise money for a worthy cause. Please can I ask a question on another subject: I have always been in synch with your teachings on age and do not allow my age to dictate to me at all. The healing energy is profound. I have had type 1 diabetes for 37 years now, but my body doesnt feel 37 years sick anymore. We also have a singing group specifically for Parkinsons people, so Im keeping busy. Here in South Florida dancing is a huge part of the drum circle culture. I suspect you have a very creative and unusual brain structure. I am a data architect, which is very logical, but I am also very creative and have hobbies making music and art. I recently joined a drumming circle that meets right after my NIa dance class (also new to me) and love it. My drumming partner, Diana Young (who is also a Certified Reiki Master Teacher and Certified Eden Energy Medicine practitioner who incorporates her focusing exercises to all our classes) and I created the Young Fish School of World Drumming in 1997 and have been conducting hands on educational and therapeutic global drumming programs for K-12, community centers, all populations with special needs, etc. Im known as the rockin grandma by my instructor who is also in her early 60s and awesome. You rock!!!! Primarily through the drumming of Stewart Copeland. The therapeutic effects of our programs touch lives on so many levels and we are blessed to drum every day. You can also try Christine Stevens, http://www.ubdrumcircles.com (She is affiliated with HealthRhythms), or Google Jim Donovan. The difficulty here is this info is driven by a few pathways; pain & neuro reflexes being the primary ones. My latest videos feature a mindfulness on natarajas dance of creation to the rhythm of our human heart beat. 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. All rights reserved. When I turned 29, I didnt want that to be my story at 30, so I took private drum lessons for a year. http://www.thevillagedrumLLC.com, Thank you dear Dr. N. This is such a life affirming piece. I never knew that drumming can induce a natural high by giving your brain a lot of alpha waves. This leads to a deeper sense of self-awareness. Our community of drummers & dancers have grown now to crowds of up to 200 over the 10 years of existence. Holy Healing!! 57 Interlaken Road Terms of Use.*. If the teacher or facilitator is aware, she/he will draw out the participants genius, whatever level they are at, and foster their contribution to drumming as something of value. The lyrics reflect on the gritty parts of self awareness, and that kind of view on the world grounds the songs in a way that feels like catching up with an old friend whose quirks you don't mind . Maybe you would like to go and explore different kinds of drums, if you havent already, and have a fell, what FEELS right for now? As a by product, I also experienced a feeling of wellbeing after longish sessions. MondayFriday 9:00 am5:00 pm EST, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health Arthur Hull has training as well. Drumming is a great workout for your brain and actually can make you smarter because when you drum you access your entire brain. Depending on their age and personality, kids have a lot of energy. For our final project we are to design and present our own stress reduction program. She leads retreats, drum circles, and workshops throughout the Northeast. I love it. Drum playing is my favorite time pass and I love doing that. People can enjoy a relaxing and energizing time by participating in the drum and dance circle or watching and listening to the variety of world drum rhythms. I fell in love with Taiko drumming during an Obon festival I attended a few years ago. I hadnt realized ex-cons were benefitting from hand drumming too, but why not? Its interesting, isnt it how often ones family doesnt share ones passion even when its so clearly beneficial and fun. You are just getting better at playing the drum, sweating, and burning calories. Marla Dr. Zakir Naik, a renowned Islamic scholar and President of the Islamic Research Foundation, also shared his views on the subject in an interview (source). Most of my teachers were Native Grandmothers, other Elder women, and talented men too. I have been in drumming circles, drummed for entertainment, and drummed for healing for the past 20 years. The pain part regarding chronic pain, not acute injury- we only feel pain that is second third or fourth tier; our system is designed to block the primary pain by avoidance, distortion, etc.. so the pain that is causing the distorted posture is not felt by you directly and if the posture involves a forward and or rotated head we have a short list. Your email address will not be published. A typical DRUMS from HEAVEN usually features a very entertaining interactive free style drum circle welcoming anyone to join in with no drumming experience needed. Mind, body, inner rockstar! I AM CAREGIVING MY SICK HUSBAND AND FIND THAT WHEN IM IN MY DRUMMING CIRCLE I AM OUT OF MY ANXIETY OVER HIS ILLNESS. Thank you for popping that bubble for me. Everyone who came felt the vibe of goodness. Christiane Northrup, M.D., is a visionary pioneer and a leading authority in the field of womens health and wellness. A virus 3 years prior left me deaf in my right ear. I swear I always felt so relaxed after playing his drums. I actually linked back to this article from my blog, as I run a drumming website. psych). And outside of them. Good luck. I am obsessed w the health benefits of drumming! The experience was wonderful. How wonderful. #drumsnotdrugs. Its a more peaceful type of playing, somewhat meditating. Do you happen to have any journal articles or references you could share with me regarding the information you have outlined in this article? Explore the different ways to support Kripalu. Ashland, OR. Good Luck with the drum circle and keep spreading the word. Ask any turkey hunting addict what drives their obsession and the answer likely includes the intoxicating rush of calling in a brush-bearded, sunlit strutting tom, gobbling, spitting and drumming through the spring woods. It made me so happy to read this. But the truth is, if youre alive, youve got rhythm! After an hour or so, my neck feels like its burning, and goes tight and into a spasm. I was quite athletic as a child and young adult, I never learned how to play any instrument. Growing up taking music in high school, I failed terribly, the system was set up for failure. Using my PC, a good mechanical keyboard, good quality headphones (or a good set of speakers), freely available on youtube drumless tracks of my favorite music and a program called DvDrum, I am having a blast sounding like I did with a full kit back in the day. Through the efforts of about 100 people, drummers and or dancers alike, we came together for an extraoidinary night of percussion. We have to forget about the diagnosis, and what the disability is. Example, every time we play La Bamba by Richie Valenz. Here's why you should consider providing the gift of drum to that youngster: 1. Daihachi Oguchi, the founder of Osuwa Daiko, created the Kumi-Daiko style in 1951. Thanks. He didn . Now online, Kripalu offers a variety of teacher trainings and certifications to deepen your practice and share your passion with the world. The state of local Arts council is a place to start. . It burns calories. Its never too late to do anything. The Thundergods of Portland inspires me. My mom who sings in a choir of Angels at her church had a crush on the bands drummer. Brilliant article and great reminder to follow the primal passion of our core. https://www.facebook.com/lesfemmesdekissidugu/. https://powerdrummingcanada.com/. With drumming and yoga combined, the healing effects and positive benefits are exponential. I grew up have bad anxiety attacks, but dont take any kind of medicine for it. Dont give up on the drums Martin. Danyel, look on FB or google HealthRHYTHMS in your area. "Bt drums, a very close relative of the dndn, use drum strokes as a code that translate into Yorb language," write the researchers in the study. Check for groups on MeetUp.com. Really lifts your spirit. I love Drums Alive! I live in St. Louis and would like more info on your retreat. His words Ill never forget, he said, I need the drums. It feels absolutely great! Thank you! And now, after a 15 year hiatus after a fruitless 6 year stint at community college, I have returned to finish for my BS in Alternative Medicine! I love it so much. I am a Celtic Priestess of Bridget and I lead women in Womb Healing ceremonies with drumming to connect to ancestor teachers. I have added another dimension in using drum circles and their related culture dances to bring together people not only to drum & dance but to raise money for good causes. This accelerates my brain and provides additional stimulation to the mind and soul. So much so that our annual holiday traditions are now drum circles. This idea applied musically means boys are likely to be taught drums, girls are likely to be taught something "softer" like violin. One year later, i have just read your article on drumming and music, i am interested what you have done in the past 12 months. All it needed was a fire burning in the circle. What a joy! My point is that I dont believe that you necessarily need to wield a full drum kit to feel the benefits. My name is Katy Lantz but really its Kay Flava. I visit peoples horses and drum fro them in the UK. I belonged to a womans drumming circle many moons ago. I listen to shamanic drumming regularly, when seeking insight, or as a healing tool when Im emotionally stirred. All the best to you, Rock Star! From Ishikari in Japan, she started drumming at two and drums in her family's band Kaneaiyoyoka. I offer an online program that teaches people how to play the frame drum an ancient womens drum and have included this writing in my program! THANK YOU!! For more than 50 years, Kripalu has been a leader in yoga- and mindfulness-based education. I began West African drumming last October, and the feeling of wellness and serenity is remarkable.