why is "drumming" spiritually important to the yoruba?

I got my niece and drum when she was eight years old and taught her a few things Including the handover hand pattern which require should keep alternating between your right and left hand She used some . Even historically, drums were used in war to give/relay commands, intimidate enemies and rile up troops & morale. My body has been abused a bit through racing motocross, off-roading accidents, freeway motorcycle accidents, commercial deep-sea diving, ten years in the Army, drug rehab and eighteen years of physically fighting with the criminally insane while working at a state institution. A-game playing. Frame drum? I do have a music and dance background, so drumming was not difficult for me to learn and its every bit as joyous as music and dance. at this state they can put what they want into your brain. I look forward to doing more good work in the neerby communities if any are interested. I felt like we were doing a heavenly deed, alas, the name DRUMS from HEAVEN was born. I will cover the types of injuries, how we can deal with them, and how we can prevent them as best we can.. By the end of this article you'll know things like how to spot a hand injury coming up, how we can cure them, how we can play drums with them, and how they can even be a good thing for our drumming. This could be because Indigenous people across the country use many of the same musical resources, such as one person or group singing the same melody . To request permission to reprint, please email editor@kripalu.org. Doing this for 15 years has also helped me get over shyness. I am a part of a cardio drumming group in Wyandotte MI and I LOVE IT! And outside of them. I know I have a bad posture, and I am trying to keep upright. Thank you for sharing! That puts me told me in the present moment and absolutely prevents me from thinking about the past or worrying about the future For the whole time that Im playing. We are based in Oakland, CA. Thank you. Even metronomes do it. After every class I felt better and clear minded. I am proud to say that Rhythm Kids is now being offered worldwide through Music Together, an internationally acclaimed early-childhood music development company. I get exercise, work my left and right brain, connect with others on a deeper level than just talking, and It always lifts my self esteem. Drum playing is my favorite time pass and I love doing that. Ill have to keep that in mind and find some drum lessons he would like! I started playing percussion in a band about 9 years ago and began experimenting with different techniques to help kids with ADHD issues. It has been a very emotional day as I research the ways in which Drumming can influence our health and well-being. Thank you so very much. Also, please check out Mary Knyshs website: http://www.rhythmicconnections.com The pain part regarding chronic pain, not acute injury- we only feel pain that is second third or fourth tier; our system is designed to block the primary pain by avoidance, distortion, etc.. so the pain that is causing the distorted posture is not felt by you directly and if the posture involves a forward and or rotated head we have a short list. Drum beats used in these ceremonies come from a variety of different drum types made with various woods and animal hides. Remember, you can tune your DJEMBE to boost the low tones. Youve written a wonderful expose on the therapeutic & social benefits of drumming. It was confusing to some. A lot of people Ive spoken with are highly interested in drum therapy, for themselves or a loved one, including my sister, in which my nephew who is non-verbal and is on the spectrum. If it is okay I would love to quote you on my website as some further reading for my students and parents. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine enrolled both middle-aged experienced drummers and a younger novice group in a 40-minute djembe drumming sessions. Belly dancers and African style or any kind of dancers are welcome. The science behind drumming is now being revealed with enough scientific and anecdotal evidence collated and collected to validate what I myself and many other early rhythm practitioners have been expousing for many many years. I have never played in a drum circle but I do have a rock drum kit and every time I play with my band I get all the same feelings you talk about. I never knew that drumming can make one smarter alongside being able to heal physically and emotionally. So, so true. I think this would be a great way for her to continue to learn and expand her mind and her skills, but also a way for her to learn a new skill. The drummers from Mali were other- worldly. Seeing your name, Dr. Northrup attached to this article has convinced me I need to try it. I did. It made me so happy to read this. Playing drums can relieve frustration, disappointment, and stress. Recently at a Special Needs Conference Ive had a chance to meet and talk with Temple Grandin, I gave her my methodology behind my music program, she told me, you could do good in a kids life. Modern Taiko History. No matter what fun the orchestra are having, getting stuck into their meaty, challenging parts, the percussion section have to just provide a bit of oom . Usually after classes I go to dinner with my friend and then go home and write to tap into the unleashed creativity. The physical health benefits of drumming seem almost unlimited. Ive purchased shamanic drums for us as a Christmas present to ourselves. Some of us meditate and focus on their inner being. For those of us who have experienced a drum circle we know the rewarding feeling we all get when we participate. DRUMS from HEAVEN has provided venues for the purpose of raising funds for selected charitable causes. I dont know how I would have been able to make it through those extremely difficult days and the time after his death without the benefits of drumming and the supportive community that came from it. Thanks for the very informative article. After only 15 minutes of drumming your mind will start to quieten and your body will start to feel release. I am a band director with a degree in percussion performance and played and taught Drum and Bugle corp a long time. Here in South Florida dancing is a huge part of the drum circle culture. You can catch a glimpse here. I have since explored many other styles of Drumming and in 1994 found myself entrenched in the Drumming of the Native American Healers in my region of Canada. I took some pole dancing classes a while ago. A sure sign of truth. Christiane. I also play percussion in my church band and with others and Im a Toca Percussion Artist. Holy Healing!! I am desperate to play again after a year off because of the following symptoms. Example, every time we play La Bamba by Richie Valenz. I have also been attending drum circles for a few years and have only just recently handcrafted my own drum and drumstick. It's important when doing this to focus on the click and not the instruments. M utua, just 29 years old, has been fighting gender barriers and cultural stereotypes in the field of percussion her entire career. Id like to share my mission statement. I joined a drumming circle 6 months ago, and didnt understand the experience which was off the charts feeling so connected and accepted by these fellow drummers . Its a more peaceful type of playing, somewhat meditating. Im a drummer (not a professional though) and always felt that I need to use my skill for a cause that adds value. The sound waves are awesome and produce healing, clarity, and stress relief often after just one session. BUT I LOVE IT. Great Article!! Thank you so much for sharing this. Hard to keep your mouth in front a microphone while beating the far edges of a kit. However, until you try it you wont know. I am also looking at getting a cajon, which might not suit someone with back problems but there is a model that you can sit across your lap. Its a privilege to utilize my artistic and music abilities to help students. Try working out as you normally do but if the pain is too hard to bare then take it easier on yourself. Given a little encouragement they brighten up, lighten up and have an experience of being worthy and appreciated. While we are ceremonialists, the benefits you cite from social drumming are present in this type of circle as well. Good on you Christine, I have quite a few of your books and love your work. Many provide the drums for beginners, so this wouldnt be a barrier to joining. I belonged to a womans drumming circle many moons ago. Well done!! https://powerdrummingcanada.com/. And thank you Dr. Northrup for writing about this! Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. I didnt know what it was all about at first. Ellise P. Thanks for this great overview of drumming and its beneficial effects. I very much need this type of therapy! http://www.nadiyanottingham.net. The sharing of traditional knowledge, including drumming and drum making, is done through the passing of teachings from knowledge keeper to learner. I didnt know drumming could boost your immune system and increases your T-cell production. Not having the room for a full drum kit, I started experimenting with a small drum pad keyboard sounds and sampled hits from my drum machine. The word rhythm comes from the Greek for flow. When chimps come to a waterfall they will often go nuts, pound on the resonant buttress roots of trees and swing about excitedly on branches. but after a few years it ended up in the back of her closet years Janice I admire you for your pole dancing. Ive been planning on a workshop where participants will be clapping, tapping, or producing sounds on any objects they feel comfortable. The difficulty here is this info is driven by a few pathways; pain & neuro reflexes being the primary ones. Christiane. Drumming is so beneficial, Im glad you found a way to still partake in it, even if you are a self-proclaimed asocial introvert. RhythmSoul Drumming, Wow! I wish I could get the whole world drumming, but I cant even get my own family interested. Kudos. I designed a percussion based music program. The drums speaking heart to heart has created such a bond with these people, they are like family. I lost my husband to Alzheimers a year and a half later. Hello, i have a GOD GIVEN TALENT TO PLAY AND ENJOY THE PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT. Your gift helps create a more awakened, compassionate, and connected world. I have been playing the drums for about 5 months now and I will tell you emphatically that I am thinking better and FEELING a sense of love in my heart, a rhythmic flow to my life and overall improvement being able to think a little quicker I was displaying symptoms of an 80 year old but now I am feeling younger and younger. A typical DRUMS from HEAVEN usually features a very entertaining interactive free style drum circle welcoming anyone to join in with no drumming experience needed. I hope this gives you a little insight into drum therapy. On Can't Buy Me Love, Ringo's drumming is the primal force that drives the song's hormonal energy, all whipcrack snare and floor-tom bombast, wrapped up in Ringo's signature sound: . Should I Still Be Menstruating at Age 55? I am a data architect, which is very logical, but I am also very creative and have hobbies making music and art. Feeling joyful is one of the best feelings one could have. But thats no reason to accept not ever playing the drums again. Fix the pain and the neuro-reflex issues, the body will stand up straight immediately. riskylogic, Sep 11, 2017. We have drum circles on my 70 acre nature retreat an hour outside St. Louis around a fire and it completely restores the soul. But the truth is, if youre alive, youve got rhythm! Do you have any references for the studies which you mentioned? A power that moves you emotionally through our 5 senses. Hi MondayFriday 9:00 am5:00 pm EST, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health Thank you for your contributions, I am a fan. And, after graduating, found an African drumming class when teaching privately at a high school. Its can only be good. The musician, who is 70, appeared on BBC Breakfast with his Genesis band members to promote the group's . Explore upcoming programs led by Kripalu faculty and expert presenters on topics ranging from yoga to societal and personal transformation. That was when god gave me a coach! I love drumming. I will be sure to tell my wife that we should get our son into drumming! You have captured the experience so beautifully. TINGLING UP MY SPINE TO THE TOP OF MY HEAD!!!!!!! I love and admire that you have started pole dancing. Our community of drummers & dancers have grown now to crowds of up to 200 over the 10 years of existence. Ive been a fan of yours Dr. Northrup for some time and am so thankful to have found this article. The people who come together at DRUMS from HEAVEN are all special. A little before 'Master of Puppets'. What a wonderful service you offer, Patty. Reduce Stress. We can see the path, but we cant travel it without you. stick a tongue depressor across between your teeth, or two or three- (try each variation) and this should turn off (this is temporary for testing sake ) the jaw loop. I play in a couple of Samba bands and I am establishing a project where I deliver facilitated drum circles to various at-risk groups. Very accurate and well written article. This makes the kickboxing seem mild as you have to be so incredibly strong. These are questions that have puzzled exercise scientists for some time, and studies have not confirmed one way or the other whether exercise will make your skin look younger. Jaw pain is easily remedied in the short term for testing reasons. Maybe you can consider starting up a drumming circle in your area-benefiting yourself & others. When you set up a high frequency, others rise to meet it. At least that I was taught. Drumming is a great workout for your brain and actually can make you smarter because when you drum you access your entire brain. They sing random, popular and traditional songs, and I just pick up the rhythm and thump along. . But during this time I was able to join an all female drumming band (Batala) and every Saturday morning nothing else matters but hitting my drum. And enjoy this service to humanity that you are providing! Thank you for helping spread the word. I was planning a mother-daughter trip for the weekend and your article gave me an idea. You might want to read up on it, to see if the symptoms sound like yours. You can also try Christine Stevens, http://www.ubdrumcircles.com (She is affiliated with HealthRhythms), or Google Jim Donovan. So happy its helped you. Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. A very good context here Dr. Christine. I have a djembe but like lower tones. Ive been a drummer for my entire life, only up until three years ago, I had never actually played them. From Bruce Springsteen to 'Letterman,' Steve Jordan, the drummer filling in for Rolling Stones' Charlie Watts, has a decades-long history. The spirit takes you. If you know of some Grant Money available for me to acquire Drums to volunteer at our local Jouvenile Detention Center, Hospital and Nursing Homes, I would appreciate any info you have. Sorry Big Pharma but drumming is much safer and more effective. Syncopation brings excitement to music by playing with our expectations for where the beat should occur. We drum outdoors in dowtown Delray Beach every Wed night at Old School Square Park. I am an expert on drumming rudiments. RhythmU, who yoU are Beat by Beat. psych). I am now 57 years old, but I feel beaten by aches & pains, associated with my drumming. I have severe PTSD from the military and I am a female. -socially My name is Dr. Ron Neuhauser and I am a multiple award winning pro drummer from the California bay area, martial arts sensei, and retired mental health specialist (PhD in behavioral psych, BS in Org. Some people may learn these things faster than others thanks to their natural sense of rhythm. Michael Drake wrote the above, almost verbatim back in 2006. I work with folks from 2 to 102 in many settings- schools, mental health, ECE, cancer recovery, memory care, senior living etc. God bless you and the other people that also wrote in this column that they drum with the people who REALLY could use this. -focus Another time I had my microphone hooked up for the 8th graders. I fell in love with it the first class. This should not discourage anyone from drumming. I dont have any formal training in music, but get asked to do work for people with letters after their name. However, a drum circle is quite different. Their reactions can range from meditative to curious and playful interaction. There have been rare instances where animal skins that have not been properly treated have generated natural anthrax, and people have died because of this. Good luck and bless you for playing djembe. Im excited!!!! The Health Benefits of Beating Your Own Drum. The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. now stick in the tongue blades, now stand up straighter? The experience was wonderful. Thanks so much for this amazing testimonial. Again, I experienced such profound relaxation at this evening outing. And you right. I love the satisfaction of my hands being coordinated, feeling the rhythm the hearbeat, the PULSE and sharing the energy of syncopation. I am a amateur and dont play nearly enough. Forward and/or rotated head posture is pain from the brainstem and above, or neuropathic pain. So moving reading your story ,many blessings ..Im so happy to have drumming in my life. The drums can be both musical instruments and works of art, sculptural forms that are often decorated in a resplendent manner suited to their . http://www.drumconnection.com. This is why you might see a flicker pounding on a metal power pole or your house siding - to make the loudest sound he can, not to look for food or drill a hole, but to make a statement. Im in my 50s, in really great health, and Im still rockin! We have a womens percussion performance group so between classes and practices I probably drum 5 days a week. Hi, Lars' drumming is very good. Drum circles have come a long way over the last 20 years. I actually linked back to this article from my blog, as I run a drumming website. The drum is a member of the percussion group of musical instruments.In the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system, it is a membranophone. Some of us connect through drum and dance. Footdrumming, as with other signals, probably originated by ritualization of older . Check for groups on MeetUp.com. Cheers, -Ali B. I have directed many Samba groups for the last 20 years and all the benefits youve outlined have been there for me and my fellow musicians, from youngsters in primary schools to over 80s. As the sounds of the drum vibrate through your body your muscles and your mind get a sound massage, leaving you in a state of relaxation. On 'This Is Why,' Paramore emerges from our collective fever dream. The basic rock beat is 4/4, so you count 1-2-3-4. So, when the logical left hemisphere and the intuitive right hemisphere of your brain begin to pulsate together, your inner guidance system or intuition becomes stronger. Djembe or Talking Drum The talking drum dates as far back as 500 A.D where it served as the secret drums in major societies for the rite of passages, ancestral worship, rituals and social dances. Drumming plays a major role in disciplining and calming the mind in both Buddhism and martial arts. Dr. Christiane Northrup, your article is very informative, and I believe it is for a purpose Im on your page today. This integration produces feelings of insight and certainty. Its wonderful to see a respected medical professional advocate drumming! Keep it up. Through the efforts of about 100 people, drummers and or dancers alike, we came together for an extraoidinary night of percussion. Check this out!! I play drums, and I feel great after I play, even just for a few minutes, Ive been playing drums and percussion instruments for 26yrs, off and on. It is an honor to participate. I am 68 years of age and still enjoy playing a kit of drums even though my wife hates drums. In theory, the instruments in the backing track should be in time to the click, however, as a drummer the click should always be . Then I bought a jemba (spelling?) Find out about upcoming programs with Allison Gemmel Laframboise at Kripalu. In the ceremony, the beat of the drum is significant, as is the drum itself. Ive been playing over 20 years. Stockbridge, MA 01262, Reimagining Religion with Love at the Center. Ive also started doing some hand drums at our community center. For these reasons therapeutic drumming may be a powerful tool in helping retrain the brains of people who have some level of damage or impairment, such as with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), after a stroke, or where there is neurological disease such as Parkinsons. As the building blocks were being put into place to form our new little community, a devastating storm hit the southern United States. I have added another dimension in using drum circles and their related culture dances to bring together people not only to drum & dance but to raise money for good causes. Peace, love, joy and drum. Im a POUND master trainer and our classes are so much more than keeping fit. Hopefully, that will erode the stigma of a hippy culture that drumming seems to conjure up (my Mom could never understand my love of drumming). I believe this is a most wonderful idea. If modern metal's homogenised triggered sounds have made the genre stale to your ears, delve back for a slice of organic, natural-sounding drums. How / Where can I receive some training in how to actually lead Drum Therapy sessions? And it uplifts those in alignment. I am a drumming circle facilitator, promoting the holistic benefits of drumming within my community & felt compelled to comment. 57 Interlaken Road Especially when were having fun together. I began hand drumming in a drum circle after toxic mold exposure turned my life upside down with chronic fatigue, insomnia and numerous other health deficits. This event is for ANYONE interested in our casual, free, fun, drumming / music circles on the beach by the Pier (left side), North Carolina. And I keep getting stronger and more flexible. Thank you. Come visit the Kripalu campus, nestled in the breathtaking Berkshire mountains, for a nourishing retreat full of yoga, nutritious meals, mindful outdoor experiences, and more. I swear I went into a trance after listening to the drumming for about 1 hour.