Research
Current research is now verifying the therapeutic effects of ancient rhythm techniques. Recent research reviews indicate that drumming accelerates physical healing, boosts the immune system and produces feelings of well-being, a release of emotional trauma, and reintegration of self.
Barry Quinn, Ph.D.
Even a brief drumming session can double alpha brain wave activity, dramatically reducing stress. The brain changes from Beta waves (focused density and activity) to Alpha waves (calm and relaxed), producing feelings of euphoria and well-being.
Michael Thaut, manager of Colorado State University’s Center for Biomedical Research in Music
“Rhythmic cues can help retrain the brain after a stroke or early neurologic impairment, as with Parkinson’s patients…”
Barry Bittman, Neurologist of the Mind-Body Wellness Center in Meadville, Pennsylvania
The study found that patients who took part in group drumming, or drum circles, experienced increased levels of disease-fighting immune system cells, also known as natural killer cells. In an industry-sponsored study, Bittman tested the blood chemistry of 111 healthy people in a series of experiments. Bittman says participants in all groups experienced a drop in cortisol; an indicator of stress but only the group of active drummers had a significant increase in the natural killer cells.
Dr. Barry Bittman
Just using hand drums and moving to the beat, people burned a substantial number of calories — averaging 270.4 calories in a half-hour.
E. Glenn Schellenberg at the University of Toronto
Improved IQ scores can now officially be added to the growing list of benefits from playing drums. A recent study shows that playing the drums or other percussion instruments actually improves IQ scores of children. IQ test scores of 6-year-old children significantly improved after receiving drum lessons. Schellenberg recruited a group of 144 six (6) year olds and separated them into 4 groups: those receiving drum lessons, voice lessons, drama lessons and no lessons.
Journal Brain and Cognition in 2015 “Rhythm and the Brain: The Effects of Rhythmic Training on Motor and Cognitive Function”
Drumming can enhance brain plasticity, the brain’s ability to change and adapt. Regular drumming practice improved cognitive skills, including attention, working memory, and information processing.
Franziska Degé & Katharina Kerkovius
The effects of drumming on working memory in older adults Musically trained participants remembered more words from a word list than both control groups, and they were able to remember more symbol sequences correctly than the control groups. Our findings show a possible effect of music training on verbal and visual memory in older people.
Michael Winkelman
Drumming circles have applications as complementary addiction therapy, particularly for repeated relapse and when other counseling modalities have failed.
Blog
The heart and the drum are one. Be oneness with the rhythm that beats within. Whether you are a professional or a first-time drummer, your pulse matters. There is a Divine global orchestration that needs your voice. Join the D4L Blog to experience tips and wisdom on how to fully benefit from the ancient empowering tool for healing called The DRUM! Ashe! Ashe! Ashe!
