Drum circles have been part of human culture for millennia, bringing people together in celebration, healing, and connection. Today, this ancient practice continues to thrive, offering modern participants more than just rhythmic entertainment. From boosting mental and physical health to fostering a deep sense of community, participating in a drum circle can enrich your life in surprising and meaningful ways.
Humans have been gathering around fires to sing and dance and pound on drums for thousands of years. Throughout the centuries, music in the form of drumming, dancing, and chanting has been a time-honored way for people in nearly every culture on earth to join together in a shared experience of community in order to strengthen social ties and relationships. Traditionally, in both indigenous and non-indigenous cultures, music has been woven into the fabric of society as a part of daily life and a form of communal expression, particularly during socially significant events and rites of passage, such as the birth of children, coming of age, marriage and funeral ceremonies, harvest feasts, hunting celebrations, in times of war, and during spiritual and religious rituals and festivals.
Participating in a drum circle continues this age-old tradition in a modern form of community involvement and as a way to experience a sense of social connection and belonging often lacking in our busy, hectic, and technologically oriented lives. In the words of Arthur Hull (a well-known drum-circle facilitator and teacher), a drum circle is a powerful way “…for participants to create unity in their community by drumming together.”
Drum circles not only foster community and bring people together from all different walks of life, they are also incredibly fun and joyful experiences, and allow participants to get into a state of play and spontaneity. Drumming makes people feel happy! In fact, the idea that group drumming can create feelings of joy and exuberance is actually backed up by science. Because the activity of playing drums (as well as singing and dancing) can trigger the release of endorphins in the body, it has been found to create positive feelings similar to that of a “runner’s high”, to produce a sense of well-being, and uplift our emotions.
Drumming is a great way to relieve stress and has been shown to be beneficial for people who experience feelings of depression and anxiety. A UK study published in March of 2016 entitled "Creative Practice as Mutual Recovery" conducted by the Connected Communities project and funded by the UK's Arts and Humanities Research Council found that group drumming can be therapeutic both biologically and psychologically. It promotes healing by stimulating and balancing the immune system, has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, decreases depression and anxiety, and increases social resilience.
According to scientific research, the act of drumming and participating in drum circles can have a variety of other health benefits as well.
In 2001, researchers at the Meadville Medical Center’s Mind-Body Wellness Center in Pennsylvania found that group drumming reduces stress and increases immunity by “…boosting natural killer cell activity and increasing lymphokine-activated killer cell activity…” (white blood cells that can kill tumors) as well as by reducing the release of the stress hormone cortisol. A study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine in 2014 found that djembe drumming can improve cardiovascular health and reduce blood pressure due to the physical nature of playing the drum. In addition to being beneficial for the heart, drumming creates an endorphin rush in the bloodstream, stimulating the production of endogenous opiates, "the body's own morphine-like painkillers" and can help alleviate chronic pain.
Drum circles offer a unique blend of fun, connection, and well-being that is hard to find elsewhere. From ancient traditions to modern-day practices, the power of rhythm continues to inspire and uplift us. Whether you’re looking to relieve stress, experience the joy of music, or simply connect with others in a meaningful way, a drum circle can provide a pathway to all of these things and more. So grab a drum, join the circle, and discover the life-changing benefits for yourself!
©Copyright 2019 Michele T. Leonard. All Rights Reserved.
References:
1. Bensimon, Moshe, et al. “Drumming through Trauma: MusicTherapy with Post-Traumatic Soldiers.” Brainmusic, The Arts in Psychotherapy, 2008, http://www.brainmusic.org/EducationalActivities/BensimonAmirWolf_2008.pdf.
2. Dunbar, R I M, et al. “Performance of Music Elevates PainThreshold and Positive Affect: Implications for the Evolutionary Function ofMusic.” Evolutionary Psychology : an International Journal ofEvolutionary Approaches to Psychology and Behavior, U.S. National Library ofMedicine, 22 Oct. 2012, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23089077
3. Fancourt, Daisy, et al. “Effects of Group DrummingInterventions on Anxiety, Depression, Social Resilience and Inflammatory ImmuneResponse among Mental Health Service Users.” PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, 14 Mar. 2016, https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0151136#ack.
4. Bittman, B B, et al. “Composite Effects of Group DrummingMusic Therapy on Modulation of Neuroendocrine-Immune Parameters in NormalSubjects.” Alternative Therapies inHealth and Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 7 Jan. 2001, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11191041.
5. Smith, Carine, et al. “African Drumming: a HolisticApproach to Reducing Stress... : Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine.” LWW, Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine,June 2014, https://journals.lww.com/jcardiovascularmedicine/Abstract/2014/06000/African_drumming___a_holistic_approach_to_reducing.2.aspx
6. Drake, Michael. “The Therapeutic Effects of Drumming.” SelfGrowth.com, https://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/The_Therapeutic_Effects_of_Drumming.html.
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