Much information can be found on the internet regarding the therapeutic effects of
drumming. As an example, we would like to mention a fascinating study published by Michael Drake on about.com. Surveying some recent literature on the subject, Drake describes drumming as an ancient approach to promoting healing and self-expression through rhythm. As he notes, "drumming accelerates physical healing, boosts the immune system and produces feelings of well-being, a release of emotional trauma, and reintegration of self."
Furthermore, "studies have demonstrated the calming, focusing, and healing effects of drumming on Alzheimer's patients, autistic children, emotionally disturbed teens, recovering addicts, trauma patients, and prison and homeless populations. Study results demonstrate that drumming is a valuable treatment for stress, fatigue, anxiety, hypertension, asthma, chronic pain, arthritis, mental illness, migraines, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, paralysis, emotional disorders, and a wide range of physical disabilities." Drake then proceeds to elaborate on the following concepts:
1. Drumming reduces tension, anxiety, and stress
2. Drumming helps control chronic pain
3. Drumming boosts the immune system
4. Drumming produces deeper self-awareness by inducing synchronous brain activity
5. Drumming accesses the entire brain
6. Drumming induces natural altered states of consciousness
7. Drumming creates a sense of connectedness with self and others
8. Drumming helps us to experience being in resonance with the natural rhythms of life
9. Drumming provides a secular approach to accessing a higher power
10. Drumming releases negative feelings, blockages, and emotional trauma
11. Drumming places one in the present moment
12. Drumming provides a medium for individual self-realization
We highly recommend that you read the entire article, which can be found at: http://healing.about.com/od/drums/a/drumtherapy.htm