Drums have been around for a long time. The first recorded drum dates back to 5500 BCE. They have been used for religious and other ceremonial rituals, as a form of communication, for sporting events, and even for therapeutic reasons.
Drumming is also good for your brain! According to Dr. Pamela Seraphine, “Research shows when you meditate on a focal point (such a word, object or rhythmic pattern) your brain can undergo profound physical shifts and rewire due to neuroplasticity. Our experiences, and what we do with our minds, actually change the neurochemistry of our brains and cause the remodeling of brain circuitry. Positive neuroplasticity helps to slow down the brain’s aging process, increase cognitive reserve, improve well-being, and strengthen overall brain power.”
Drumming may also help with conditions like stress, fatigue, anxiety, hypertension, asthma, chronic pain, arthritis, mental illness, and addiction.
The Benefits of a Drum Circle
Drum circles can:
- Make you happy. Drumming releases endorphins, and alpha waves in the brain, which are associated with general feelings of well-being.
- Help control chronic pain.Drumming can not only be a distraction from pain, but it can also promote the body’s natural painkillers.
- Boost your immune system.
- Create a sense of connectedness.Drumming circles provide an opportunity for you to connect with yourself at a deeper level while also connecting you with other like-minded people.
- Release negative feelings and reduce stress. You can literally drum out your feelings.
- Put you in the present moment.While you focus on your drumming you don’t worry about your past or about your future.
- Allow for personal transformation. When you drum in a group, not only do you get to express yourself, but you get feedback from the other drummers. Drum circles allow you to explore yourself, and be part of a community.
- Help you burn calories and promote a healthier lifestyle. Playing the drums requires physical exertion, which can improve your physical health.
Youth at CHV Experience a Drum Circle
Geraldine, one of CHV’s amazing volunteers, organized an eight-week drum circle workshop for the youth who access our Community Support Services and those in the Crisis Program.
The workshop sessions were held every Saturday, for one hour, in CHV’s gym. After four weeks, staff had to access more drums, as the attendance went from 10 youth to 15. It was a very engaged group who provided a safe space for all. There were even youth from Community Support Services who were teaching the group drumming from their home countries.
We are hoping to hold more of these workshops in the future.