Rhythm Therapy

I don't know of any activity or 'therapy' that is as simple, quick and effective as hand drumming, with its innate ability to reach beyond our heads and straight into our hearts. We need to think of the drum not just as a musical instrument, but an essential tool for wellbeing, healing and transformation. Every home, school and business should have one - one day, every pharmacy could sell drums."

What is Rhythm?

The origin of the word rhythm is Greek meaning “to flow.”

All life is connected within a rhythmical universe - the rising and setting sun, the seasons, the migration of the birds and animals and the cycle of birth, life and death.

This ancient cycle of light and dark influences every aspect of our lives - our bodies, our behavior, and even our health. Our physiological functions fluctuate in cycles and rhythms, which are partly regulated by an internal biological clock in the brain.

Our ancestors gathered in groups to sing, dance and tell stories - all in rhythm. They knew that by gathering together in this way, it reinforced their connection to their environment and their sense of belonging and community, so drums were quickly adopted as healing and ceremonial tools by traditional medical practitioners and spiritual leaders around the world.

How does Rhythm affect us?

Beating a drum releases blocks such as anger, sadness or frustration without the need to express those feelings in words, and is a direct route to free inhibitions and connect with inner emotions. Natural by-products of hand drumming include increased self-esteem, a sense of empowerment, creativity and an enhanced ability to focus the mind, leading to stress reduction.

Drum circles focussing on teambuilding, have been incredibly effective for businesses, saving money for employers and providing major benefits to employees.

Research has shown that heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, depression, cancer, insomnia, obesity, diabetes, dementia, migraines and accidents have all been linked to disruptions in our natural cycles and circadian rhythms.

Numerous studies have been published in peer reviewed journals which demonstrate the positive health and wellbeing benefits of using hand drums and percussion instruments as therapeutic tools.

Rhythmic drumming can, in certain circumstances, double alpha brain wave activity and induce altered states of consciousness which have a wide range of therapeutic, transformative and spiritual applications. Studies have also demonstrated the calming, focussing, and healing effects of drumming on Alzheimer's patients, autistic children, emotionally disturbed teens, recovering addicts, war veterans and trauma patients.

How can Rhythm be used for Healing?

There are a wide range of techniques used by Rhythm Therapists, and they usually integrate modern technology and scientific understanding with ancient wisdom and healing traditions.

Rhythm Therapy uses the rhythmic manipulation of percussion to influence brain-wave patterns primarily as a preventive intervention for maintaining mental, spiritual and physical health in people of all ages, regardless of their challenges, backgrounds, ethnicity, ability or experience.

Typically, people are brought together in facilitated groups or drum circles to share rhythm, form a group consciousness and get in tune with each other and themselves. These groups resonate together in a collective voice which can open up channels of communication and foster a strong sense of community and wellbeing. A group drumming session quickly finds a groove or rhythmic entrainment, which uplifts participants mentally and emotionally, and induces a calming response to the body and an energizing effect on the spirit.

Individuals can also benefit from Rhythm Therapy through one-to-one sessions that can have a transformative effect on mind, body and spirit, bringing about profound and lasting changes.

The drumbeat connects us to our heartbeat and to nature's rhythms, and during a session a therapist can focus on the client's chakras while drumming so that they can feel calm, balanced and energised as each energy centre becomes activated and aligned.

Rhythm Therapists can also train individuals to 'self heal' using their own instruments together with a range of different drumming, mindfulness and breathing techniques.