healingways
Why is it so effective?
It has to do with the fact that the first sounds we hear
in the womb are the rhythms of breath and heartbeat. The
late Babatunde Olatunji, an award-winning jazz composer
and founder of Harlem’s Olatunji Center for African Cul-
ture, said, “Rhythm is the soul of life. The whole universe
revolves in rhythm. Everything and every human action
revolves in rhythm.” This includes everything from the
changing of the seasons to the vibration of atoms.
Though rhythm therapy was once considered a fanci-
ful New Age concept, major universities such as Harvard
and Duke are conducting present-day research into its pos-
itive effects on stress reduction, immune-system strength-
ening and addiction treatment, all under the evolving aegis
of integrative medicine.
Seeking to help victims of dyslexia, attention deficit
disorders and autism, the Hannah More School in Reis-
terstown, Maryland, is trying drumming therapy. Students
there are playing shakers, rattles, bells and drums to help
improve their physical conditions. Laurie Precht, drum
circle facilitator, says, “I would say it’s beneficial for them,
both psychologically and physically.”
Michael Drake, author of The Therapeutic Effects of
Drumming, agrees, advising that, “From the shamans of
Mongolia to the Minianka healers of West Africa, thera-
peutic rhythm techniques have been used for thousands of
Drumming Circles
years to create and maintain physical, mental and spiritual
health.”
a Hit
Recent studies are indicating positive effects from
use of drum therapy in wide-ranging areas. These include
stress, fatigue, anxiety, hypertension, asthma, chronic pain,
arthritis, mental illness, migraines, cancer, multiple scle-
by Jay workman rosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, paralysis and emotional
disorders.
A 2003 study, for example, found that drumming
induces deep relaxation, lowers blood pressure, and re-
f
rom a distance, it sounds like music from a car
stereo. But as you draw nearer the park shelter,
duces stress, which contributes to nearly all disease and is
you realize that there is no melody, just a pulsating
a primary cause of such life-threatening illnesses as heart
rhythm. Close inspection reveals a group of a dozen or so
attacks, strokes, and immune system breakdowns. A 2001
people playing drums of all kinds: big and little ones, both
study indicates that drumming circles boost the immune
primitive and high-tech.
system. Barry Bittman, a physician and leading cancer
You have encountered one of the drumming circles
researcher, demonstrated that group drumming increases
gaining in popularity across the country. Some celebrate
cancer-killing cells that also kill other viruses, like AIDS.
Native American customs and heritage or other ethnic
Remarks Bittman, “Group drumming tunes our biology,
traditions, but all are outlets for people expressing a primal
orchestrates our immunity, and enables healing to begin.”
urge that drives their spirit, amidst camaraderie and fun.
Life-draining chronic pain is another ailment that can
Now, scientists have discovered that drumming can
benefit from drumming. Researchers suggest that drum-
be a useful tool in physical and psychological therapy. It
ming not only serves as a distraction from pain and grief,
seems that repetitive rhythms can initiate changes in brain
but also specifically promotes the production of endor-
wave activity, including calm and concentration. Research-
phins and endogenous opiates, the body’s own morphine-
ers currently are expanding their studies into related fields,
like painkillers.
with positive results.
Psychosocial issues can be successfully addressed by
Drumming has been used for centuries in every tribal
drumming strategies, too. In Durango, Colorado, adoles-
culture on Earth, for communication, rituals and healing.
cent offenders participate in drumming circles hosted by
the Department of Youth Services. The sessions provide the
18 Phoenix
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