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2009-02-10 12:30:22
By Jane Elliott
Health reporter, BBC News
Could a natural rhythm - which some experts believe we all possess - be a cure
for a variety of health problems?
Some certainly think so.
Musician Simon Lee, from Kent, is called on to teach drumming to patients with
problems ranging from addiction to autism, and learning difficulties to mental
health issues.
He has even offered help to terminally ill patients needing palliative care.
And he says the results are amazing.
Experts believe that rhythmic drumming can aid health by inducing a deep sense
of relaxation, reducing stress, and lowering blood pressure.
Drumming health benefits
"Drumming has a number of benefits," said Simon.
"It can energise or relax. It can foster a sense of playfulness or release
anger and tension. It can also help in the conquering of social isolation and
the building of positive relationships."
One patient, an alcoholic, told Simon her drumming sessions had helped her so
much it had given her the inspiration to continue with a gruelling detox
course.
"She said when she came into the clinic she was extremely negative and the
first two or three days the treatment was purely about detox and heavy stuff,"
said Simon.
"The drumming was the first time she engaged and smiled.
"She said 'I came out of myself and saw that I could survive'."
Simon, who also carries out drumming sessions for the general public, said
there was a growing interest in the therapeutic effect it could have, both on
the individual and the community.
"There is strong evidence to suggest that drumming may actually be a healing
activity," he said.
"Some have gone so far as to prove that time spent drumming can positively
affect our immune systems, levels of stress and psychological well being."
Natural sense of rhythm
Stephen Clift, professor of health education at Canterbury University and
director of research at the Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health,
Folkestone, said his centre had recently hosted a workshop into the benefits of
drumming.
"It gives a general sense of well being," he said.
"As a research centre we are interested in arts and health generally but
particularly in regards to music.
"Most of the work we have been doing is in regards to singing, particularly in
groups and community sessions - but these benefits apply to drumming.
"It is fun and challenging, but can produce very positive results very
quickly."
Dr Barry Bittman, a neurologist, and CEO of the Yamaha and Wellness Institute
in Pensylvania, believes one of the great potential benefits of employing drums
in therapy is that they are so easy use.
And although some might disagree, he believes that everybody has a sense of
rhythm.
"I believe we are hard wired for music there is evidence that even in the womb
the foetus has rhythm," he said.
"We are all naturally musical, although in the US less than 7% of adults over
the age of 18 even pick up a musical instrument once a year.
"Drums are accessible and don't present the challenge of a learning curve -
anyone regardless of handicap can sit and beat out a rhythm on a drum.
"Drumming is affordable, accessible and sustainable.
"I think we all begin as drummers if you think about childhood the children are
under the table banging on pots and pans."
Nick "Topper" Headon, former drummer of the legendary 1970s punk group The
Clash, is one who subscribes to the theory that drumming is good for the
psyche.
Unfortunately a drug problem developed while he was playing with The Clash
meant that he went 26 years without playing the drums, but now that he has
finally kicked his drug habit he once again enjoys the buzz of hammering away
on his kit.
He said: "Its a physical activity, it stimulates parts of the brain keeping the
four limbs doing something different, and it is primeval as well - drums were
the first instrument: before music, people were banging things together."