Research

Drumming & Healing Research – A Groundbreaking Dissertation

Rhythm as an Intervention for Health and Mental Health Difficulties: A Comprehensive Literature Review

This 114-page Psy. D. clinical dissertation, by Owen Patrick Petersen, explores and synthesizes a huge amount of clinical research on how rhythm and drumming have been used “as an adjuvant treatment in a range of psychological disorders (eg. substance abuse, autism spectrum, post-traumatic stress, at-risk youth, older adults and attention deficit hyperactivity).” PLEASE NOTE: The author has provided this research to be shared on the condition that it not be copied without expressed permission of author, Owen Patrick Petersen, and without proper accreditation. In order to contact the author for permission, please email me at rufusglassco@gmail.com and I will provide you with his email address. ALSO NOTE: Due to copyright law, Mr. Petersen is not legally permitted to share the research articles that are cited in his dissertation, but he does provide a comprehensive, 9-page list of resources to enable you to search for your own copies.

To download this amazing, groundbreaking dissertation, please email me at  rufusglassco@gmail.com and I will email it to you.

Drumming & Healing Articles

Drumming up a happier workplace
Drumming sessions at work could help employees defend themselves from stress and lower staff turnover, according to a new study from America.

Ancient Healing Approach: Drum Therapy A compelling article overviewing the research on how drumming has been proven to reduce stress, control chronic pain, improve immune function, synchronizing brain activity and produce deeper self-awareness.

The Voice of the Drum
Drumming has become an integral part of the mythopoetic men’s movement.

Remo’s Collection of HealthRHYTHMS Articles This wealth of information is constantly being added to by one of the largest research organizations in the world dedicated to the healing effects of group drumming.

The Health Benefits of Recreational Drumming – Six ways that recreational drumming can help you live a healthier lifestyle (SOURCE: www.pas.org)

Recreational drumming is an entertaining and sharing experience that promotes community interaction, personal expression, and joy. Participating in recreational drumming activities plays an important role in your health and wellness. Clinical research demonstrates there are many health benefits to this interactive art form. Here are six ways that recreational drumming helps you live a healthier lifestyle.

1. MAKE YOUR OWN MUSIC
Self-expression defines who you are as an individual. Through music, you have the ability to share your feelings, your story and personality. Recreational drumming allows you to learn a musical skill that promotes your ability to express yourself through making music.

2. INCREASE YOUR ENERGY
Increasing your physical activity boosts your metabolism and energy. Recreational drumming is a physical activity that supports healthy circulation, breathing, and can supply you with more energy.

3. RELIEVE STRESS
Stress is caused by both positive and negative situations. Recreational drumming provides outlets that promote fun and positive forms of expression. It can lead to positive shifts in your mood, resulting in relaxed satisfaction and joy.

4. BUILD COMMUNITY
Recreational drumming provides an opportunity for you to connect and interact with other people to make music. It is a great intergenerational activity that allows you to learn a skill while building your social skills and your ability to communicate with others.

5. REDUCE FEELINGS OF ISOLATION
Build bonds with others to allow yourself to grow interpersonally. Recreational drumming can open the door to peer bonding through a learned skill. It can also create an atmosphere of sharing and commonality that can connect you to others around you.

6. IMPROVE FINE MOTOR SKILLS
Recreational drumming is more than just hitting a drum! It improves gross and fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and supports left/right brain coordination. It is a physical activity that allows you to produce music.

Sound Healing Research

Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-being

The Abstract reads: “Poor mood and elevated anxiety are linked to increased incidence of disease. This study examined the effects of sound meditation, specifically Tibetan singing bowl meditation, on mood, anxiety, pain, and spiritual well-being. Sixty-two women and men (mean age 49.7 years) participated. As compared with pre-meditation, following the sound meditation participants reported significantly less tension, anger, fatigue, and depressed mood (all Ps <.001). Additionally, participants who were previously naïve to this type of meditation experienced a significantly greater reduction in tension compared with participants experienced in this meditation (P < .001). Feeling of spiritual well-being significantly increased across all participants (P < .001). Tibetan singing bowl meditation may be a feasible low-cost low technology intervention for reducing feelings of tension, anxiety, and depression, and increasing spiritual well-being. This meditation type may be especially useful in decreasing tension in individuals who have not previously practiced this form of meditation.”

From the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 22(3) · September 2016