Rhythm is everywhere: In the movement of planets, sounds in nature, beating of our hearts, waves on the shore, atomic vibration and so on. In short we are immersed in a continuous polyrhythmic orchestra.
Some of the first known instruments were percussion; not to say the clapping of hands, stones and sticks were not used prior to such inventions. In short, for thousands of years humans have identified with rhythm.
Drums are perhaps the most popular of such instruments, having taken numerous forms over thousands of years. German percussion ensemble “Green beats” decided to take put their love of drumming front and center. Check out their song:
In addition to its musical qualities drums have a variety of health benefits:
- Drumming reduces stress and boosts the immune system. Studies have shown that drumming lowers blood pressure and reduced stress hormones. By actively hittings the drums we literally shake off stress. The body’s immune system performs better when we are not stressed, thus defending us from diseases.
- Drumming induces alpha waves in the brain responsible for a relaxed state of mind. Studies show normal brain activity does not use both sides of the brain simultaneously. Drumming activates both sides of the brain promoting hemispheric coordination leading to increased alpha waves. The increase in alpha waves induces relaxation, which may also promote greater insight and creativity.
- Drumming can make you smarter. Researchers at Stockholm’s Karolinska Institute found a link between “…intelligence, good timing and the part of the brain used for problem-solving”. In their study, drummers who were better able to keep steady rhythm scored higher on intelligence testing.
- Drumming can be therapeutic. Drum therapy has successfully been used on patients suffering from emotional traumas, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While drumming people release negative emotions and trauma in a socially acceptable way.
- Drumming helps us to connect with others. In a world where we became increasingly individualistic and fragmented, drumming helps us to reconnect and create a sense of community. Drumming together makes us feel connected on a deeper level promoting a feeling of harmony.
But what is most important is that drumming is for everyone. You don’t have to possess any special talent to march to your own beat, or tune into the universal rhythm around us.
