Here's a great piece modified from
Dr. Christine Northup:
10 Health Reasons to Start Drumming!
Here’s why drumming is good for you:
1) Makes you happy. Participate in a drum circle and you will see how happy it makes you. Drumming releases endorphins, enkephalins and Alpha waves in the brain, which are associated with general feelings of well-being and euphoria.
2) Induces deep relaxation. In one study, blood samples from participants who participated in an hour-long drumming session revealed a reversal in stress hormones.
3) Helps control chronic pain. Drumming can certainly serve as a distraction from pain, & it promotes the production of endorphins and endogenous opiates - the body’s own painkillers.
4) Boosts your immune system. Barry Bittman, MD, neurologist and President of the Yamaha Music & Wellness Institute (http://www.yamahainstitute.org/), has shown that group drumming actually increases natural T- cells, which help the body combat cancer as well as other viruses, including AIDS.
5) Creates a sense of connectedness. Drumming circles and group drumming classes provide an opportunity for “synchronicity” in that you connect with your own spirit at a deeper level while also connecting with other like-minded people.
6) Aligns your body and mind with the natural world. Rhythm means “to flow.” Drumming allows you to flow with the rhythms of life by simply feeling the beat.
7) Provides a way to access a higher power. Shamans often use drumming to integrate mind, body and spirit. They focus on the whole body and then integrate the healing at physical, mental, emotional & spiritual levels by drumming, which connects to spiritual forces.
8) Releases negative feelings. Drumming is a form of self-expression. You can literally drum out your feelings. When held, negative emotions can form energy blockages. The physical stimulation of sounding the drums can help remove those blockages. Drumming has even been used therapeutically to help addicts deal with their emotions.
9) Puts you in the present moment. While drumming you are moving your awareness toward the flow of life. When you are flowing with the rhythm of life you cannot be caught up in your past or worrying about your future.
10) Allows for personal transformation. Drumming stimulates creative expression. When you drum in a group, you not only get to self-express, but you get feedback from the other drummers. It’s the equivalent of talk therapy! Drum circles provide a means of exploring your inner self, and expanding your consciousness while being part of a community.
So, what are you waiting for? Come drum with us!