What is Group Therapeutic Drumming?

 

Group therapeutic drumming is the active participation in evidence-based rhythmic interactive activities with the intention to create non-musical outcomes. Through the guidance of a trained and caring facilitator, group therapeutic drumming promotes self-empowerment, creative expression, and the achievement of specific goals.

 

Group therapeutic drumming is a method of utilizing the natural power of rhythm and music to achieve specific beneficial outcomes. It is non-competitive and encourages individual creativity and promotes physical or emotional healing. Group therapeutic drumming is an active process, with numerous proven benefits including, improving hand-eye coordination, stimulating brain function, and developing communication skills that will last a lifetime. 

 

Group therapeutic drumming breaks down social barriers, encourages freedom of expression, exercises non-verbal communication, and embodies unity and cooperation. A holistic wellness activity involving all aspects of physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological functionality, stimulating the body's natural physical and emotional healing processes. Therapeutic group drumming has been proved to decrease depression, anxiety, and stress, boosts immune system functioning and benefits physical health.

 

There is a growing body of research on the therapeutic effects of group drumming. Barry B. Bittman, MD has published some ground-breaking studies showing the benefits to the immune system, stress levels and mood.

 

Group therapeutic drumming is an exercise in utilizing our natural response to rhythm and music to achieve beneficial outcomes. It is a non-competitive, inclusive activity that encourages individual creativity, breaks down social barriers, encourages freedom of expression, exercises non-verbal communication, and embodies unity and cooperation to promote physical or emotional healing. 

 

Group therapeutic drumming is a holistic, active process involving all aspects of physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological functionality, stimulating the body's natural physical and emotional healing processes. Therapeutic group drumming as a wellness tool has been proven to decrease depression, anxiety, and stress; boost immune system functioning; and benefit physical health. 

 

Positive RePercussions’ evidence-based group therapeutic drumming programs are be designed to: 

 

• Promote wellness  

• Manage stress  

• Alleviate pain  

• Express feelings 

• Enhance memory 

• Improve communication 

• Promote physical rehabilitation  

• Aide in addiction recovery 

 

Health Related Benefits of Group Therapeutic Drumming

Stress
Blood samples from participants of an hour-long drumming session revealed a reversal of the hormonal stress response and an increase in natural killer cell activity
(Bittman, Berk, Felten, Westengard, Simonton, Pappas, Ninehouser, 2001, Alternative Therapies, vol. 7, no. 1). 

Stress: Impact Research Summary

Depression
Stanford University School of Medicine conducted a study with 30 depressed people over 80 years of age and found that participants in a weekly music therapy group were less anxious, less distressed and had higher self-esteem
(Friedman, Healing Power of the Drum, 1994). 

Cancer
Subjects who participated in a clinical trial using the HealthRhythms protocol showed an increase in natural killer cell activity and an enhanced immune system. While this does not indicate a cure for cancer, such results may be of benefit for those facing this disease.
(Bittman, Berk, Felten, Westengard, Simonton, Pappas, Ninehouser, 2001, Alternative Therapies, vol. 7, no. 1). 

Alzheimer’s Disease
According to Clair, Bernstein and Johnson (1995), Alzheimer’s patients who drum can connect better with loved ones. The predictability of rhythm may provide the framework for repetitive responses that make few cognitive demands on people with dementia. 

Parkinson’s Diseases and Stroke
Rhythmic cues can help retrain the brain after a stroke or other neurological impairment, according to Michael Thaurt, director of Colorado State University’s Center of Biomedical Research in Music. Researchers have also discovered that hearing slow, steady rhythms, such as drumbeats, helps Parkinson’s patients move more steadily
(Friedman, Healing Power of the Drum, 1994). 

Chronic Pain
According to Dr. Barry Bittman in the Pain Practitioner, chronic pain has a devastating propensity for progressively draining quality of life. Technology and pharmacology are falling short of the mark needed to improve quality of life and reduce pain. 
(Lingerman, H. 1995, Music and You. In the Healing Energies of Music. Wheaton, Ill.: Theosophical Publishing House). 
 

Consider Positive RePercussions for your company's next conference, workshop, meeting or retreat. 
Contact us today to discuss how our exciting programs can benefit your organization.