healingways
and founder of Harlem’s Olatunji Center for African Culture,
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 fanciful
New Age concept, major universities such as Harvard and
Duke are conducting present-day research into its positive
effects on stress reduction, immune-system strengthening and
addiction treatment, all under the evolving aegis of integra-
tive medicine.
Seeking to help victims of dyslexia, attention deficit dis-
orders and autism, the Hannah More School in Reisterstown,
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 psychologi-
cally 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, therapeutic
rhythm techniques have been used for thousands of years to
create and maintain physical, mental and spiritual health.”
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,
Drumming Circles
mental illness, migraines, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkin-
son’s disease, stroke, paralysis and emotional disorders.
a Hit
A 2003 study, for example, found that drumming in-
duces deep relaxation, lowers blood pressure, and reduces
stress, which contributes to nearly all disease and is a pri-
mary cause of such life-threatening illnesses as heart attacks,
by Jay workman strokes, and immune system breakdowns. A 2001 study
indicates that drumming circles boost the immune system.
F
rom a distance, it sounds like music from a car stereo.
But as you draw nearer the park shelter, you realize
Barry Bittman, a physician and leading cancer researcher,
that there is no melody, just a pulsating rhythm. Close
demonstrated that group drumming increases cancer-killing
inspection reveals a group of a dozen or so people playing
cells that also kill other viruses, like AIDS. Remarks Bittman,
drums of all kinds: big and little ones, both primitive and
“Group drumming tunes our biology, orchestrates our immu-
high-tech.
nity, and enables healing to begin.”
You have encountered one of the drumming circles gain-
Life-draining chronic pain is another ailment that can
ing in popularity across the country. Some celebrate Native
benefit from drumming. Researchers suggest that drumming
American customs and heritage or other ethnic traditions, but
not only serves as a distraction from pain and grief, but also
all are outlets for people expressing a primal urge that drives
specifically promotes the production of endorphins and en-
their spirit, amidst camaraderie and fun.
dogenous opiates, the body’s own morphine-like painkillers.
Now, scientists have discovered that drumming can be
Psychosocial issues can be successfully addressed by
a useful tool in physical and psychological therapy. It seems
drumming strategies, too. In Durango, Colorado, adolescent
that repetitive rhythms can initiate changes in brain wave
offenders participate in drumming circles hosted by the
activity, including calm and concentration. Researchers cur-
Department of Youth Services. The sessions provide the juve-
rently are expanding their studies into related fields, with
niles, “A ritualized way to blow off steam,” according to Kulu
positive results.
Speigel, a professional musician and leader of the group, and
Drumming has been used for centuries in every tribal
may teach the youths skills for building successful interper-
culture on Earth, for communication, rituals and healing.
sonal relationships. After a drumming encounter, disciplinary
Why is it so effective?
problems among the teens plummet. Even major corpora-
It has to do with the fact that the first sounds we hear
tions, such as Motorola and AT&T, use drumming seminars
in the womb are the rhythms of breath and heartbeat. The
for team-building exercises.
late Babatunde Olatunji, an award-winning jazz composer
Several local groups host drumming circles, which are
September 2008 2
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