The drum is ancient, universal and almost certainly the oldest instrument in the world. It has been used ceremonially and shamanically in almost every culture. Its power is strong and deep. I have been using the drum for many years and I find its ability to clear and connect me to myself amazing.
I am trained in the BAST method of Drum Therapy. There is ‘on the body’ where the drum is played close to your body, usually while you are lying down and ‘off the body’ away from you, as in Drum Journey and a wonderful drum massage included in this method. Drum Massage can be particularly helpful for pain conditions such as fibromyalgia. As well as described as being very relaxing, calming, focusing and centreing, clients report enjoying the feel of the strong vibrations on their body. Gongs are also felt very physically and Himalayan Bowls can be used on the body as well as a wonderful Sound Therapy massage.
The Rhythm of Life is a wonderful tool to explore the feel of your day to day activities and to then prescribe a specific therapeutic rhythm which I will play in the session and which you can then use between sessions. (You do not need a drum but if you have one it is great to use to play this for yourself. Other options are to tap on a hard backed book, a table or your lap. You will still get all the benefits of your brainwaves entraining to the rhythm when playing the steady rhythm for 5 minutes or more). During the treatment the rhythm can be played close to the body similar to the Drum Massage technique or as in the Drum Journey, played away from the client’s body.
All the techniques help induce an Altered State of Consciousness (ASC), a deep trance-like state, akin to deep meditation during which numerous physical and psychological benefits can occur. These can include lowered blood pressure and heart rate, lowered stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline, balanced brain sodium-potassium ratio essential for all body functions, insights and shifts in perspective, feeling more grounded and centred in the body and reduced mental chatter.
Drum therapy can be good for muscle or bone pain, arthritis, muscle tension, stress-related symptoms, general relaxation and physical pain. You can book an appointment with me in Whitstable at Shakti Den at The Manor Barn, Canterbury, online or in your own home. Please also see The HolistiCentre near Canterbury.
A recent study by Barry Bitman MD showed drum circles – a group of people drumming together – boosts the immune system and actually increases cancer killing cells. Other studies have shown group drumming to have a calming, focusing and healing effect on autistic children, and alzheimer’s patients. I offer group therapeutic drum circle sessions monthly in Whitstable. Please Events page for details.