There’s a lot more to drumming than just banging out a sweet rhythm. Here are 8 surprising benefits that come with getting your groove on.
When most people hear “drum circle” they may have some stereotypical associations. And for good reason, I mean our society has used drumming in some strange ways for a few decades now.
But there’s a lot more to drumming than just getting together with the locals and banging out a few crazy rhythms. As a matter of fact, music therapists often include drumming into their work because it has many health benefits, both mentally and physically.
These benefits range from elevated mood to improved immune system and interpersonal connections.
Here’s are 8 main benefits of drum therapy that may surprise you!
#1 Drumming Increases Mindfulness
Actively making music or drumming in a group brings a person’s attention to the present moment, allowing them to practice mindfulness in a creative way and giving them a break from worries about the past or future.
#2 Playing Rhythm Can Help You Relax
Drumming can induce deep relaxation, lowering stress hormones in the blood. There are many places that provide opportunities for drumming. If you have a Meetup Account (if you don’t you can sign up, it’s free) in the search field, type in drumming circle and you will see the drum events in your area. Here’s a link for Drumming Circles near Naperville, IL.
#3 Drumming improves your immune system
A neurologist and president of the Yamaha Music & Wellness Institute, Barry Bittman, MD, has shown that drumming increases natural T-cells, which aid the body in combating diseases.
#4 Group Drumming Improves Interpersonal Connection
Drumming in a group provides an opportunity to connect to other people in a shared creative experience. People who sing or move in rhythm together tend to work together more cooperatively afterwards.
#5 Drumming Decreases Stress & Anxiety
Drumming can serve as a method of low-risk exercise while significantly decreasing stress and anxiety levels. Because drumming increases the heart rate it qualifies as a low-to-moderate intensity exercise.
#6 Drumming Activates the Brain
Drumming activates both hemispheres of the brain. It releases endorphins and Alpha waves in the brain, which are associated with feelings of well-being and happiness.
#7 Active Music Making Increases Pain Tolerance
People have a higher pain threshold immediately after singing, dancing, and drumming. A release of endorphins happens, like the “runner’s high.” It is the active performance of music is what generates the endorphins, not just listening to the music itself.
#8 Drumming Promotes Self Expression
Drumming is another form of self-expression, allowing for the expression of otherwise difficult to express negative emotions. The release and expression of these emotions in a safe environment allows for emotional healing and release of negative energy.
By engaging in drumming, by individuals or as a group session, expect to experience a holistic form of therapy that addresses the body, mind, and spirit.
As a drummer for over 25 years, I offer drum therapy as I expand my holistic approach to your therapy.
Find out how drumming therapy can work into your treatment. Request more information, today. https://www.donbarrycs.com/contact-us/
References
Bittman, B. B., Berk, L. S., Felten, D. L., Westengard, J., Simonton, O. C., Pappas, J., & Ninehouser, M. (2001). Composite effects of group drumming music therapy on modulation of neuroendocrine-immune parameters in normal subjects. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 7(1), 38-47.
Jacobs, T. (2012, November 19). Musical meds: New research on endorphins finds people have higher pain thresholds immediately after performing music or dancing. Retrieved October 15, 2018 from https://harmonymusictherapy.com//psmag.com/economics/drummers-high-evidence-that-playing-music-releases-endorphins-49578
Jacobs, T. (2010, July 14). Do-re-mi promotes a feeling of ‘we.’ Retrieved October 15, 2018 from https://harmonymusictherapy.com//psmag.com/social-justice/do-re-mi-promotes-a-feeling-of-we-19058
Northrup, C. (2016, March 21). 10 Health Reasons to Start Drumming. Retrieved from https://harmonymusictherapy.com//www.drnorthrup.com/health-benefits-drumming/
Smith, C., Viljoen, J. T., McGeachie, L. (2014). African drumming: A holistic approach to reducing stress and improving health? Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine, 15(6), 441-446. doi: 10.2459/JCM.0000000000000046