Studies are finding numerous health benefits from drumming and drum circles for people with Parkinson’s disease, brain injuries, physical injuries, arthritis, cancer, autism, PTSD, addictions, and more.
It does not require advanced physical abilities or specialized talents. You do not have to read music or understand music theory. Drumming, even a simple pattern, offers benefits to a huge range of people. Drumming is a universal language. It transcends age, gender, ethnicity, and state of health. In fact, nearly every culture on earth has some form of drumming tradition.
Here are some of the benefits from drumming:
Drumming Improves Symptoms and Signs of Parkinson’s Disease
The results of a 6-week study by Pantelyat A, Syres C, Reichwein S, Willis A. on drumming and Parkinson’s disease, drummers had significantly improved their quality of life scores from baseline, whereas the control group’s scores were unchanged. Walking performance was significantly faster at baseline for controls; after 6 weeks of drumming this difference was no longer significant, and remained non-significant at 12 weeks.
Drumming Boosts Immune System
Another medical research study indicates that drumming boosts the immune system. According to cancer expert Barry Bittman, MD, the study demonstrates that group drumming actually increases cancer killing cells, which help the body fight cancer and other viruses. Other studies have shown that drumming lowers both blood pressure, anxiety and stress hormones. When you’re under stress, blood levels of stress hormones go up and your body’s immune is compromised. This can lead to all sorts of disease progression, drumming can combat stress.
Drumming Activates the Brain
Drumming produces 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 the mind achieve hemispheric coordination, a situation where both halves of the brain are active and brain waves are synchronized. This coordination can create greater insight or creativity. Group drumming and its effect on alpha waves are now being used to help people with addictive personalities and people who are ‘hypervigilant’.
Drumming Releases Endorphins
Drumming releases endorphins in the human brain that cause feelings of happiness and euphoria. It’s a great reason to gather with other people, to share in a common experience, and to do something enjoyable. When you participate in a drum circle you are part of a whole that is much greater than the sum of its parts, and drumming is accessible to an extremely wide range of people.
Drumming has played a huge role in my life as a dancer and drummer, and the benefits are tangible, especially for people with Parkinson’s. Learn more about the drumming classes I offer.
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Photo credit: Jonas Bengtsson