There is increased utilization of drumming applications in the world of therapy remarks Mark Reiser(2006) in Why the drum works wonders; and yet research into how do drums affect the brain, and how do rhythms alter our physiology is very scarce. Nevertheless, there is some work being done in this are of therapy. According to neurologist, Dr Barry Bittman research concerning music and neurological function is in its infancy, although our ancestors knew drums healing powers.

 

Reiser believes that drum therapy may be the oldest form of psychotherapy. Indigenous cultures have tapped into the spiritual and communicative power of drum for tens of thousands of years; and that tribes have used drums to communicate with each other, the spirit world and even the person within because the rhythms a person generates are often a very accurate representation of the player. Medicinally, shamans were the primary users of the drum as a healing instrument, he said. He quoted Lou Farley, a licensed professional counsellor and member of ACA as saying a shaman would use the natural vibrations and forces of the drum to move the energy or spirit of the ill person; these ills being physical or mental.

 

The Western world of psychotherapy is beginning to discover the drums healing powers. Carl Jung who was initially sceptical upon learning that that some therapists were incorporating music therapy into their practice, noted that music should be incorporated into all therapies. He came to believe that music was a projection of unconscious motives and that it could probe aspects of personality that were not accessible through talk therapy. In fact, researcher Carl Seashore has noted All rhythm is primarily a projection of personality.

 

According to counsellor Farley (mentioned by Reiser) it is the counsellors responsibility to tune into the frequencies generated by the client; these frequencies are a pathway that leads direct to the clients heart. The counsellor, who utilises drums in session, must have great self-awareness and need to have an intimate understanding of how their client feels, not only when producing certain patterns on the drums but also in their daily living. This will enable them to make accurate inferences about their clients world. The brain seems to mimic the rhythmic nature of the drum. Rhythms produced by drums or other musical instruments may help maintain functionality and health.

 

HealthRHYTHMS Group Empowerment. Drumming is a research-based group drumming protocol that has demonstrated significant health benefits. This group works along traditional medicine. Their efforts are intended to serve as the impetus for hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, senior centres, nursing homes and insurers to integrate group drumming as a valuable intervention within traditional medicine. These organizations have an exceptional opportunity to offer a unique activity that combines proven health-promoting strategies including self-expression, group support, nurturing, exercise, stress reduction and of course, music making.

 

HealthRHYTHMS is on the forefront of establishing a solid foundation for proving the biological benefits of drumming. Neurologist Barry Bittman, M.D. and his renowned research team discovered that a specific group drumming approach significantly increased the disease fighting activity of circulating white blood cells (Natural Killer cells) that seek out and destroy cancer cells and virally infected cells.

 

In his practice, Robert Friedman, the author of The Healing Power of the Drum, helps couples find new avenues of discussion via the drum. He seeks to enable his clients to become more synchronized with their personal rhythms. This breakthrough book examines the use of hand drums in treating at-risk adolescents, stressed-out employees, Vietnam veterans, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and more.