Recently a group of trainers asked me, “Kimberly, how do you implement self-care in your own life?” I must admit that running a very full business with many exciting events happening on an ongoing basis, the mental stress can take a toll on my body. However, it didn’t take me long to think of my answer to their question: my drum! Most of the time I like to be with my beautiful Parkinson’s drumming circle. Sometimes I need time alone to dance or drum. It’s my happy place.
Drumming and drum circles are currently being used as therapy for people with brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease, physical injuries, arthritis, cancer, Autism, PTSD, addictions, and more. Studies have found numerous health benefits from drumming.
Here are 10 Reasons Why Drumming is Good for People with Parkinson’s
1. Improved Quality of Life (QOL): A study on drumming and Parkinson’s disease showed drummers significantly increased their QOL scores.
2. Improved Walking Performance: Performance was significantly faster according to the same research.
3. Improves Self-Esteem: Group drumming promotes connectedness with others.
4. Boosts Immune System: According to cancer expert Barry Bittman, MD, group drumming increases cancer killing cells, which help the body fight cancer and other viruses.
5. Decreases Anxiety and Stress Hormones: When you are under stress your body’s immune is compromised. This can lead to all sorts of disease progression. Drumming also creates deep relaxation.
6. Increased Production of Synchronous Brain Activity (Hemispheric Coordination): Studies have found that the two sides of a human brain often work at different levels and at different rates. Drumming activates both sides of the brain and can help achieve hemispheric coordination, a situation where both halves of the brain are active and the brain waves are synchronized.
7.
Releases Endorphins: Causes feelings of happiness and euphoria. Endorphins, enkephalins and Alpha waves in the brain,
are associated with general feelings of well-being.
8. Helps Control Chronic Pain: Drumming promotes the production of endorphins and endogenous opiates, which are the body’s own morphine-like painkillers.
9. Releases Negative Feelings: The physical stimulation of hitting the drums can help remove those blockages.
10. Puts You in the Present Moment: While drumming, you cannot be caught up in your past or worrying about your future.
Drumming circles and group drumming classes provide an opportunity for “synchronicity” with other like-minded people. If you’ve never drummed with others, you don’t know what you’re missing! Let the healing begin. It’s simply a matter of letting go, joining in and having fun.
If you are interested in a group drumming class, we are expanding ours to include access to any one of any ability! Click here to view our current class schedule, and call Kimberly Berg at (503) 407-1335 if you would like to join a class!
References:
Mov Disord Clin Pract. 2016 May-Jun;3(3):243-249. Epub 2015 Dec 21.
DRUM-PD: The use of a drum circle to improve the symptoms and signs of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Pantelyat A1, Syres C2, Reichwein S2, Willis A3.
Altern Ther Health Med. 2001 Jan;7(1):38-47.
Composite effects of group drumming music therapy on modulation of neuroendocrine-immune parameters in normal subjects. Bittman BB1, Berk LS, Felten DL, Westengard J, Simonton OC, Pappas J, Ninehouser M.