The practice of drumming is not only an art form, but also more and more, a practice that has a positive impact on the physical and mental health of the individual. These benefits have only recently started to be advertised by new movements within the drumming community as a way to use drumming as a way to help people with mental and physical disorders.
Such initiatives like “Drums and Wellness,” an idea that has gone viral, involves the use of drumming in wellness activities, with the natural rhythmic movements and beats helping in the management of stress, increase in serotonin levels, and general well-being. This program, as well as other similar ones, is becoming popular not only among musicians but also in the healthcare sector, where drumming is also used as a treatment for patients with various diseases, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
It has been found that drumming can bring about a state of relaxation and that stress levels are lowered when the activity is performed. The rhythmic movements and the concentration needed for this type of exercise can be beneficial as a form of meditation and is also known to enhance the mental well-being of an individual. Further, the physical act of drumming assists in the production of endorphins – the body’s natural pain and stress fighting machines – for an added advantage.
The wellness initiatives have also involved the use of community drum circles, which have been useful in providing a platform for people to drum, share stories and encourage one another in their mental health struggles. These circles not only encourage social interaction but also enhance the therapeutic use of drumming, thereby categorizing it under group wellness.
These health and wellness initiatives in drumming prove the versatility of the instrument as both an auditory delight and a health enhancer. With this, more programs are still being developed, encouraging individuals, drummers and non-drums to participate in the healing effects of rhythm. For the people who are looking for more information on drumming for wellness, there are websites such as Drumming For Wellness which offer information and tips on how to incorporate drumming into one’s daily practice.