Music therapy makes use of the physical and mental healing properties of music to help treat a range of different ailments. Drum therapy is a specific type of music therapy, derived from the ancient traditions of shamanic drumming. Drum therapy has been scientifically proven to promote healing and is not the new-age fad which may have previously been suggested.
Drumming is embraced as a ritual in many cultures, and is used in healing by Mongolian shamans and West African healers. Traditional drumming has been a part of alcoholism recovery programs used by some Native American groups. The drum is valued for its seemingly magical ability to unite people, and to bring about a trance-like state. Drumming is used by music therapists with patients who find it difficult or impossible to express themselves in other ways.
Modern researchers have turned their attention to drum therapy. Scientific studies have proven its effectiveness, and have verified that it boosts the immune system and provides exercise. The exercise of drumming has been proven to release endorphins, which are the body's natural pain-killer. As a result of the benefits which drumming has been proven to provide, researchers developed the HealthRHYTHMS Drumming Protocol. This is supported by the drum head manufacturer Remo in partnering with music therapists.
Drumming enhances thought processes through rhythm which synchronizes the brain's hemispheres and cortices. Because drumming activates so many different parts of the brain, it can help to overcome nerve damage, such as that suffered in a stroke. Drumming also reduces the damaging effects of stress. A survey of nursing home staff who participated in weekly drumming sessions identified a stress reduction of around 62%, and a significant decrease in staff turnover over the next year. An additional study saw a reduction in student dropout rates, while another discovered discipline improvements among troubled youths.
Practitioners of drum therapy are skilled at making their patients comfortable with the instruments. Often drum circles will have participants who are of varying levels of skill and experience. The layering of simple patterns creates a beautiful and complex tapestry, in which each individual plays an essential part. Despite playing as a group there is still the opportunity to improvise and allow self expression. The uniting effect of drumming synchronizes parts of the brain and also brings together people in drumming circles. A job as a music therapists can be extremely rewarding, it offers a different avenue down which musicians can progress.
Drumming is embraced as a ritual in many cultures, and is used in healing by Mongolian shamans and West African healers. Traditional drumming has been a part of alcoholism recovery programs used by some Native American groups. The drum is valued for its seemingly magical ability to unite people, and to bring about a trance-like state. Drumming is used by music therapists with patients who find it difficult or impossible to express themselves in other ways.
Modern researchers have turned their attention to drum therapy. Scientific studies have proven its effectiveness, and have verified that it boosts the immune system and provides exercise. The exercise of drumming has been proven to release endorphins, which are the body's natural pain-killer. As a result of the benefits which drumming has been proven to provide, researchers developed the HealthRHYTHMS Drumming Protocol. This is supported by the drum head manufacturer Remo in partnering with music therapists.
Drumming enhances thought processes through rhythm which synchronizes the brain's hemispheres and cortices. Because drumming activates so many different parts of the brain, it can help to overcome nerve damage, such as that suffered in a stroke. Drumming also reduces the damaging effects of stress. A survey of nursing home staff who participated in weekly drumming sessions identified a stress reduction of around 62%, and a significant decrease in staff turnover over the next year. An additional study saw a reduction in student dropout rates, while another discovered discipline improvements among troubled youths.
Practitioners of drum therapy are skilled at making their patients comfortable with the instruments. Often drum circles will have participants who are of varying levels of skill and experience. The layering of simple patterns creates a beautiful and complex tapestry, in which each individual plays an essential part. Despite playing as a group there is still the opportunity to improvise and allow self expression. The uniting effect of drumming synchronizes parts of the brain and also brings together people in drumming circles. A job as a music therapists can be extremely rewarding, it offers a different avenue down which musicians can progress.
About the Author:
Thinking of buying a djembe drum? The Djembe Drum Shop has a number of djembe drums, both modern and traditional, in various sizes and styles - check out www.djembedrumshop.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment