FEATURED ARTICLES ON DRUMMING AND HEALING

HEALTH BENEFITS of HealthRHYTHMS Group Empowerment Drumming

Stress-Reduction
HealthRHYTHMS (Group Composite Drumming) strengthened the immune system by increasing Natural Killer (NK) cell activity. (Bittman, Alternative Therapies, 2001) This protocol also reversed multiple components of the human stress response on the genomic level, not just reducing but reversing 19 genetic switches that turn on the stress response believed responsible in the development of common diseases. (Bittman, Medical Science Monitor, 2005)

Exercise
Drumming is an accessible exercise which burns calories and improves mood and may reduce the risk of disease. A Norwegian study of 25,000 women age 20-54 that performed leisure time exercises at least 4 hours/week experienced a 37% reduction in the risk of breast cancer. (Thune, Brenn, Lund, Gaard, 1997)

Self-Expression
HealthRHYTHMS Empowers people to move beyond their perceived boundaries.

Camaraderie/Support
A 1992 Duke University Study linked lengthened lifespan with having a close confidant. HealthRHYTHMS protocol builds camaraderie and support by creating a safe space where people feel comfortable sharing and offering support.

Nurturing
HealthRHYTHMS protocol creates a level playing field where support of growth and development is encouraged. As equal partners in this process participants often discover inner strength and encouragement by those sharing the experience.

Spirituality
HealthRHYTHMS is a group hand-drumming protocol. According to Jan Gregory, Adjunct Professor of Liturgy, Worship and Spirituality at Hartford Seminary, "Hand drumming is an ancient art that has been used in many cultures. The music of drums creates a conduit to the Divine. This is an opportunity to experience worship with our bodies as well as our minds".

Music-Making
Systematic inquiry into the relationship between music and brain function is one of the most rapidly developing fields of human research. "Music making offers extensive exercise for brain cells and their synapses (connections). It would be difficult to find another activity that engages so many of the brain's systems."(Weinberger, N., 1998)

MORE ARTICLES ON DRUMMING AND HEALING

Group drumming is one of humanities oldest, and most universal, ways to energize and focus groups, build community bonds, enhance communication skills and to celebrate important events.

During the two months I spent drumming in Africa, I was profoundly moved by the way that the people used community drumming to uplift and unify themselves in very down-to-earth ways.

Recent clinicical studies undertaken by Dr. Barry Bittman, MD (http://www.mind-body.org/bittman.html), have also demonstrated that purpose-driven group drumming has real-world benefits to people from all walks of life, including reducing staff burn-out, and even enhancing the body's immune system!

I've found in my worldwide drumming travels, that purpose-driven, group drumming, rooted in specific themes and goals, whether by African farmers, corporate employees or conference participants, is grounded in the same fundamental, universal principles that are the foundation of all thriving communities.

The fundamental nature of focused group drumming activities is that each participant has a part to play; each of these interdependent rhythmic parts then fit together to create the complete group rhythm.

These universal fundamentals then become a fun, lively and enduring way for groups of all types and sizes to reinforce, in immediate and powerful ways, the importance of each group member to contribute her or his individual skills, talents and personalities to shared goals and common values.

In this way, each group member contributes to creating a powerful, synergestic group rhythm that, in turn, supports the participants to be creative... to be innovative in their approach to meeting the challenges of today's work environment.

One corporate client remarked: "I particularly appreciate (that) you drew parallels between the theme of our conference, and the essential principles needed to make great, harmonius music."

Making harmonious music, and building powerfully productive community rhythms, by drumming together with a clear purpose, and rooted in fundamental rhythmic principles, has endured throughout humanity's history for one simple reason... it works!

Read more about the healing qualities of drumming.

It has been proven that hand drumming can alter a person's response to stress at a genomic level.

Based on a study by the Medical Science Monitor, it was proven that people who play music in their free time have genetic reversals to stress.

Many health organizations have followed this logic by integrating drumming into their curriculum and have reported that it is a healthy way to relax in multiple ways. The more intense a person is while playing, the more aerobic the activity becomes whereby the player reduces stress and burns calories at the same time.

Playing a drumbeat engages the right side of your brain, shifting the pressure from the critical thinking left-brain. So, after an intense day at the office, the drum can physiologically relax your mind and refuel for the next day.

Beginners having a great, stress-free time playing djembe at community drum circle.
What makes hand drumming so inviting is that it is quite easy for inexperienced players to pick up without the frustration of learning technical skills. When you join a large drum circle group, your only task is to contribute what you feel comfortable doing and the circle finds a way to embrace it in the melody. This in itself provides stress relief and positive energy for your psyche. A drum circle creates a sense of acceptance and community.

Drum circles are recognized as effective team building exercises for companies in the corporate sector. They are also used in health care facilities for rehabilitation, senior care and family therapy as well as recreational and school programs for children.

These days, companies and corporate executives are looking into professionally facilitated drum circles for stress relief and team building. In fact, Toyota has added a drum room to their building fully equipped with all types of hand drums and percussion instruments.

Drum circles are also used in therapeutic sessions. The music produces a sense of synergy and focus, quieting the noise of chaos that can be troubling for people. For family therapy, making music together has had great results in getting teens to open up and discuss difficult issues.

Many college campuses are hosting drum circles in their public areas. Faculty encourage the activity as a healthy way to reduce stress from demanding schedules, tight finances and testing anxiety. The drumbeat also brings all types of people together opening doors for new friendship and a support group.

No matter what your age, gender or background, drumming is an open door for all to try. When you plan your next family gathering or retreat, consider planning a drum circle as part of the event to bring the group together and open up a new form of communication.

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HAND DRUMMING TO BUILD COMMUNITY AND DISSOLVE STRESS

The hand drum has been used for thousands of years in celebrations, rituals and ceremonies. However, acknowledging the healing qualities of the hand drum is a relatively new development. Studies now show that hand drumming helps to relax the tense, energize the tired and heal the emotionally wounded. In addition, hand drumming is now being used in the medical field for releasing post-traumatic stress, with Alzheimer's patients to help improve their short-term memory and for Parkinson's patients and stroke victims to regain the control of movement.

As a holistic practitioner and sound healer, I've witnessed the profound power of hand drumming in the most interesting places, and seeing the healing qualities first hand. These moments have helped shape my practice, as well as my teachings with others.

In Bali I was facilitating a retreat on Stress and Personal Expression. I invited everyone to sit in silence contemplating their gifts and challenges posed so far on the retreat. I brought out my Djembe. My hands started to create soft beats, which echoed off of the mountains and water…and shotly from confusion, worry and despair, I watched individuals, couples and families emerge from their silent wonder. Slowly, everyone started moving to the sounds of the Djembe as we all stood along the sea.

As time passed, the drum beats became stronger, the movements faster, and silence turned to laughter. The night ended as a multi-cultural gathering, as people speaking multiple languages and having different religions, danced in unison until dawn. One Djembe brought hundreds of people together through sound, and at that moment, I realized the healing qualities of the hand drum.

Shortly thereafter, I attended a yoga retreat in Costa Rica. I decided to bring in the same concept as my experience in Bali. Rather than start my group on floor warm-ups or standing asanas (or poses), I played  hand drumming rhythms. I asked each person to close their eyes and move naturally to the beats. My group consisted of all ages, and again, people from many different countries.

After class, the students commented on how they found the drumming to be soothing, grounding, rejuvenating and healing. I've now incorporated drumming music in all my classes, with both individuals and groups.

Aside from the healing qualities of hand drumming, the music brings out the primal side to each and every one of us, and helps us to listen to our bodies, our emotions and our heart. The more we can incorporate these sounds into everyday living, the more we help support and heal ourselves, as well as modern day society.

Christo Pellani is a Master Drummer, Healing Arts Practitioner, Teaching Artist, and Sound Healer. He is president of SOUNDFORMATION MUSIC providing products and services for Personal Expression, Growth, and Wellness . He been teaching people about health and wellness for over 20 years, and incorporates breathing exercises and stress relieving techniques into his practice. More info can be found at:

www.soundformation.com   www.healthywealthynews.com  christodrums@soundformation.com