Drum Journey

Group lying down with blankets with drumming

The drum has been used for healing and altering consciousness since ancient times. Drum Journey, inherited from Shamanic wisdom and practice around the world, uses a repetitive beat to induce a trance state- a very deep relaxed state akin to meditation and dreaming.

Modern science explains this as the sound entraining the brain to slower waves ( theta / alpha theta border) which are associated with numerous physical benefits- lowered blood pressure and heart rate, reduction in stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline and balancing of sodium potassium balance, essential for many bodily functions.

Psychological benefits can include information, insights, creativity, awareness, psychic phenomena and shift in perspective. Visuals are common, hence the idea of an inner journey. It can also be helpful for pain control.

Typically people lie down and get comfortable after setting an intention for their journey- healing, information, guidance, relaxation etc and I play for around 30mins, then gently use graduated percussion (shakers etc) to help them come back to a grounded waking state. People are encouraged to bring yoga mat or blanket to lie on and / or cover up with and water for afterwards.

Gongs and Himalayan Bowls can facilitate a similar state of consciousness. Gongs tend to be felt as more powerful and cleansing and are good for old stuck emotional issues and pain. Bowls are also good for pain and tend to be felt as more gentle and nurturing, similar to a voice treatment.

During a private one to one session, we would explore what you want from the session and how the issue is experienced before you lie on the therapy couch for treatment and afterwards perhaps be offered a rhythm or breathing exercise to move forward. You can book a private drum session in Whitstable at Shakti Den or in Canterbury at Manor Barn. Sessions also available online or if you’re local, in your own home. For The HolistiCentre near Canterbury please click here

“I found all four of your sound-massage sessions extremely helpful in finding relief from the anxiety problems…The regular beat of the ‘drums’ led me to an extremely deep meditative state and I experienced what I felt to be the clearance of certain energy ‘blockages’ around the upper body/head area…Other than feeling extremely relaxed and uplifted after each session, the main longer-term effects have been on my sleep patterns. They have been much more regular…I am now starting to sleep a full 6-7 hours a night”