In an earlier post, I talked about how the Native American flute could have a positive effect on your health, both for the musician and the listener. This post is about the drum and how it effects us individually and as a culture.

When I sit down to compose a new musical piece, I normally start with percussion. In addition to setting the pace or tempo, it also sets the tone for the music. I love a strong percussive rhythm track in my music, as it represents the heart beat.

It's all about Rhythm !

As DR. Frank Lipman states….“Rhythm is an inherent characteristic of the self-organizing dynamics of all of nature, humans included. The way nature self-organizes — unfolds and evolves — is through rhythmic patterns”.

The first rhythmic “drum” most of us hear or feel is as a baby in our mothers womb…… thus, we are exposed to rhythm from the very beginning. 

Drums have always been an important component of most cultures throughout history.  Today they are used for spiritual, cultural and social occasions. Drumming and the associated rhythm always has a profound effect on us physically, mentally and emotionally.

Entrainment

Entrainment is one effect of drumming that defines the relationship between external rhythms and your inner rhythms. It effects both your heart and your brain. The trick is to get them both in sync, and that is where drumming can be effective.

The relationship between the external rhythms and your inner rhythms or pulses is inseparable. In fact, our internal rhythms will speed up or slow down to match a stronger external rhythm.   (Frank Lipman, M.D.)

So what is it that is so captivating about the rhythm of the drum particularly as it relates to cultures?  There is some quantifiable research done by Dr. Melinda Mayfield at Stanford University. Her research suggests that “the use of the drum by indigenous cultures in ritual and ceremony has specific neurophysiological effects and the ability to elicit temporary changes in brain wave activity, and thereby facilitates imagery and possible entry into an ASC (altered state of consciousness), especially the SSC (shamanic state of consciousness)”.

Drum 'til' your hearts content !

As most cultures have known, drumming can help get us in a meditative state which in turn can help get the brain and heart in sync. So the next time you want to “get in sync”, listen to a drum beat till your hearts content !

Click here to see the research abstract: 

http://web.stanford.edu/group/brainwaves/2006/Maxfieldabstract.html