The Role of Drummers in Wellness Today: Unlocking Therapeutic Drumming
Drumming is not only a musical activity, but also an effective tool for improving physical and mental well-being of people who practice it. Studies conducted in the current society reveal several benefits of drumming, which include; affecting the brain, mood, and physical well-being of an individual.
Drumming is a very interesting way of stimulating the brain since it involves the use of hands to strike the drum. It’s truly “therapeutic drumming!” It has been proved to improve the volume of gray matter in different sections of the brain and also promote neuroplasticity which in simple terms means the brain’s ability to change throughout one’s life. This not only aids in the process of learning and memory but also has general benefits for the brain and its functioning. Drumming can have positive effects on the brain by increasing the number of new brain cells especially in the hippocampus, which is an area of the brain that is involved in the learning and memory processes.
Mental Health Improvements
Drumming, as an activity, has the potential of reducing stress, anxiety, and even depression to a large extent. The fact that drumming is rhythmic, it helps to release tension and anxiety, which is essential in handling mental illnesses. Group drumming was identified as a way of making music that can help en masse to lift morale and social cohesion, and as such, it can be empowering to those participating.
Physical Health Enhancements
From a physical standpoint, drumming is one of the most demanding activities that one can engage in. It can reach between 400 and 600 calories per hour, so it is considered an intense form of exercise and is beneficial for physical fitness. Furthermore, it has been established that drumming helps in enhancing the immune system, lowering high blood pressure, and decreasing chronic pain as a result of endorphin production during the activity.
Social and Emotional Well-being
Drumming is a form of social bonding, which has a unifying effect and makes people feel united and belong to a group. It enables people to convey themselves in forms that are not only physical, but also a platform through which people can channel their feelings and events they undergo. Another advantage of this aspect of drumming is the fact that it is highly recommended for use in therapeutic sessions to help in emotional release and group sessions.
Drumming, therefore, is not only art but also a holistic practice that has been proven to address many issues affecting health, and thus a practice that is useful to anyone who wants to improve on their quality of life through the use of rhythm and music.
