Healing drums: a plea for the rhythmic expression

The rhythm of drumming is easy for our body, as is the rhythm of our mother's heartbeat.

It is no secret that the rhythm has a renewing effect on us. Drums the oldest form of music and were practically practiced by every existing or past culture on earth.

In Africa, drumming still plays a significant role in meaningful ceremonies and holidays . Native American cultures use the power of drumming to reunite an individual's spiritual and physical state.

In the course of history, drumming was used for ritual actions to mark significant transitions and celebrate life cycles.

We are constantly surrounded by rhythm

A constant rhythm is present in our lives, beginning when we first feel our mother's heartbeat in the womb. Every form of drumming has the ability to connect us to our own natural rhythms, as well as those of the earth and the people around us.

The drum symbolizes the heart, and drumming are both stimulated and moved our minds. It enables us to reach a place deep inside, where we are aware About us the mind, our body and the essential connection between both.

In the following video, Austrian experiential educator Sabrina Mader about the drum and playing percussion instruments as a healing passion. The Salzburg native has been drumming for over 20 years.

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Every drum is different

Similar to humans, each drum has its own vibration and voice. The world of sound here is diverse and multifaceted. You'll encounter congas, bongos, djembes, slit drums , tongue drums, handpans , tank drums, as well as sound furniture and singing bowls. Even simply drumming on a percussion instrument of your choice can help you release tension and aggressive feelings, reduce stress, and restore your energy.

It can also give you the opportunity to restore your connection to Mother Earth, since the blow of a drum can be a lightning strike, roaring sea waves or the tumult of an earthquake.

How rhythm connects and communicate drums

Drums are an ancient art form that has connected people around the world for centuries. There is something magical about the sound of drums and how they can put us in a trance -like state.

In many African societies, drumming groups are an essential part of social life. They serve not only as entertainment at festivals or ceremonies, but also as a means of communication between different villages and tribes. The rhythms and patterns of the drum sounds often have specific meanings for certain events or messages.

Outside of Africa, making music together has a long tradition with impact instruments. In Latin America, for example, Conga drums are often used to accompany salsa music-this creates tension through the rhythmic structure and even ecstasy.

The effect of the common or interactive drums on our psyche, mood, our sense of community and our enthusiasm can be experienced live at the rousing drum events of drum events and drum conversation .

Drum circle as a joint experience

The joint drumming has numerous advantages . By joining a drum circle (English: Drum Circle ), we are tuned to the invisible energy between us and combines in a common goal.

Group drumming can complement typical talk therapy techniques. Players can express their feelings without having to say anything or reveal their problems. Drumming in circles and ensembles and making music together can be a bonding experience that promotes self-expression and camaraderie, while also being a lot of fun to participate in.

Drumming shared drums reduces barriers, strengthens the self -confidence of the individual and the team, reduces stress, motivates and promotes the spontaneity.

Drumming can be both soothing and stimulating by silence our mental chatter and creates peaceful, meditative condition.

In the Navajo tradition, the drum is considered the preferred instrument of the Great Spirit-for this reason everyone was given a heartbeat. The rhythmic blow of a drum can lead us to new states of consciousness. There is no right or wrong way to drum; Each of us has the natural ability to create rhythm.

If you start experimenting with a percussion instrument yourself, you will discover the rhythms that get your body and mind moving .

About the healing effect of drumming

Drums and rhythm are not only entertaining hobbies or musical activities , but can also have a therapeutic effect . in music therapy to promote physical and mental health.

Drumming and rhythm are becoming increasingly popular among music therapists and therapy programs as a way to promote healing. It can be incredibly therapeutic for connecting with our inner selves, as well as a wonderful way to relax and revitalize our minds and bodies. Recent studies have shown that drumming accelerates physical recovery, strengthens the immune system, and promotes a sense of well-being * .

Studies have shown that drums are effective treatment for stress, fatigue and anxiety. It is also recommended as helpful for high blood pressure, asthma, chronic pain, arthritis, dementia and mental illnesses. It can also offer relief for migraines, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and after a stroke. Furthermore, it helps with paralysis, emotional disorders, ADHD patients, people with learning difficulties, a broad spectrum of physical disabilities, recent addicts, elderly, problematic adolescents and prisoners*.

Drumming promotes deep relaxation, lowers blood pressure and relieves tension. It also stimulates the formation of endorphins, the body -own morphine -like painkillers that can be helpful in coping with pain and losses. Drums and rhythm are extremely effective tools that penetrate the entire brain.

The sound of drumbeats creates neural connections in all parts of the brain , even in cases of significant damage or dysfunction, such as ADHD. Drumming engages both the linear, rational left hemisphere and the creative, intuitive right hemisphere. The left hemisphere is responsible for learning polyrhythmic sections and analyzing the interplay of rhythms. The right hemisphere, on the other hand, is responsible for integrating rhythm into the body and perceiving music. This musical activity, like deep meditation, harmonizes the two hemispheres, leading to feelings of ecstasy and free-flowing creativity. *

For people with depression or anxiety , drumming can help to get rid of negative thoughts and reduce stress. The focus of the rhythm is calmed down and a pleasant feeling of relaxation creates.

also benefit from rhythmic exercises : They improve their motor skills and their sense of balance—both essential aspects of old age. Regular music practice also has a positive effect on mood—this is especially important for seniors to enjoy a fulfilling retirement.

Dementia patients have also shown that memories can be awakened by singing or playing together in a group; Social exchange takes place and feelings of self -esteem increase.

People with disabilities often experience strengthened body awareness and more self -confidence through positive feedback from other participants within the group.

Socially disadvantaged young people, in turn, get to know teamwork; Community experiences also strengthen identity search & cohesion aspects.

Drums improves communication

Many companies and corporations are looking for experts to carry out drum workshops as a team building measure. The meetings should help employees work more successfully. Games together becomes a metaphor for how people work together as a team. The workshops aim to improve communication, to reduce barriers, to promote working morality, to encourage employees and to give them new energy, to reduce stress and to increase productivity. When walls are torn down and (hierarchical) barriers, people are more honest and problems are solved, which leads to a more well -rehearsed team.

Even the most hardened person can find artistic expression in the rhythm and cadence of drumming. Drumming workshops have been used in prisons and with juvenile offenders to provide creative ways to redirect negative energy, reduce aggression, and foster team spirit through the power of drumming.

Many community groups, youth clubs and centers have started informal drum workshops. In my hometown of Passau, this is the musician Stefan Spatz . It offers regular events, meetings and workshops cultural model and in the Schwarzes sheep These workshops are supposed to bring children and adults together in an entertaining, cooperative environment. There you can develop community, make music and learn a new skill that you can take home with you and share with your friends. Most people are moved by drums. Drugs do not have to worry about melody or chords and no musical knowledge is required.

So it seems that the drum continues to play an essential function in our society. Why not discover the rhythm and beat of your own drum? There are various drumming communities across the country that promise anxiety relief, physical and personal empowerment, spiritual growth, creativity, and a great time—who wouldn't benefit from that?

Closing cycle

In summary, it can be said: learning an instrument such as drums or drumming together in a group has a variety of positive effects on the physical and mental health of us humans. It promotes social skills, strengthens self -confidence and creativity and is simply fun!