Drumming can be found in almost every culture and has been used for centuries for community gatherings, ceremonial purposes, raising spirits and energizing, releasing stress, developing co-operation and increasing a sense of focus and clarity.

It is said that ‘Rhythm is the universal heartbeat of life’ and more and more people are finding exploring the power and potential of drumming. Drumming creates an energy that awakens our inner-self, it heightens our perceptions and enables us to be more aware of ourselves and others. The beating of the drum can symbolise the beating of the heart – drumming together and synchronising our heartbeats connects us to one another.

Drumming in a group provides each drummer with a part to play in bringing a whole rhythm to life. The repetitive nature of the drumming allows the drummers to focus on the moment and as the body becomes familiar and comfortable with a pattern, the conscious mind relaxes producing a state of relaxed energy, along with other feelings, such as accomplishment, increased self-esteem and motivation. Research has shown that the beating of the drum can alter brainwave patterns, increasing Alpha waves (a meditative brainwave) and subsequently reduces stress. Those of you who have taken part in group drumming sessions and drum circles will have experienced this on a personal level, whilst those who have not yet had the opportunity may wish to experience it for yourselves.

For people who are under significant degrees of stress, drumming enables them to vent their frustrations, let off steam and provides a creative outlet through which they can express themselves. The release that comes from beating a drum and losing track of your worries in the rhythms and music is a liberating experience.

Drumming is used to help some Alzheimer’s patients and those with Parkinson’s disease. For those who are withdrawn and have special individual needs, for example those with autism, drumming can provide an alternative means of working towards improved health and well-being. For example, using drum therapy with an Autistic child over a period of two years (age 6-8) provided an opportunity to work with him to break through his withdrawn reluctance, through a stage of extreme anger expressed by incredibly fierce drumming, to a creative and skilled state of interaction with another drummer. The drumming also freed his inhibitions, releasing the most incredible and tuneful whistling and humming that he used on occasions, in conjunction with his drumming.

Drumming can certainly raise our spirits and watching the expressions as people drum – the smiles and laughter, the concentration, the energy and freedom – is a sure indicator that drumming affects our well-being for the better. In time, perhaps we will find increasing examples of the far-reaching benefits of drumming to enhance our well-being and improve our bodies and minds.