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What is Meant by the Healing Art of Drumming?
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This article addresses how musical elements and timbre are used in the healing art of drumming.
What is Healing in the Healing Art of Drumming?
Healing can be defined in many ways, but to convey the concepts within this article I'd like to define healing simply as the development of a greater sense of well being. This overarching definition provides a way to cover a spectrum of experiences in which people have a greater sense of well being via drumming and percussion.
Drumming has the ability to induce a greater sense of well being simply from the musical elements (rhythm, harmony, melody and frequency [pitch]).
Each musical element has the potential do this on its own and in conjunction (harmony) with one or more elements. However, it is not guaranteed that they will. Achieving healing (a great sense of well being) through the musical elements is dependent upon how one uses, or applies, a given element. Any element can produce negative, positive or somewhat neutral results in regards to healing. On the negative side the elements have the capacity to induce dissonance, unease and even damage. On the positive side the elements have the capacity to induce relaxation, joy and virtues, which are proof of healing (a greater sense of well being).
Thus, the elements of music can be used as keys, which unlock doors that lead to a great sense of well being.
What is Art in the Healing Art of Drumming?
Art in the phrase healing art of drumming refers to the skill and sensibility of controlling the elements of music (pitch, melody, rhythm, harmony). Generally, the more skill one has, the more effective one can be at improving one's own and other's well being. At the same time, some instruments are relatively easy and intuitive to play so they don't require a lot of training or skill development for the player to produce beautiful and healing benefits.
Rhythm, Harmony and Melody for Healing
Hand drumming, tuned percussion like tongue drums and xylophones, gongs (some of which are tuned), metal singing bowls, crystal bowls (many of which are tuned) and chimes.
When it comes to hand drums, a single drum can be enough to induce healing (a greater sense of well being). At the same time the most powerful healing effects I've experienced are from drum circles. Drum circles are often polyrhythmic, improvisational and deeply harmonious, all good for our sense of well being.
Frequency for Healing
Along with the healing power of rhythm, harmony and melody, certain uses of frequency (pitch) can also induce healing (a greater sense of well being). Certain pitches are pleasing and induce a great sense of well being. As with rhythm and the other elements, frequency can physically move and affect not only our body at large, but individual cells and organs. Sometimes particular frequencies played at a certain volume or volume range can release blockages in the body or mind and induce a greater sense and degree of harmony within us. Gongs, metal singing bowls, crystal singing bowls, tuned percussion & many drums lend themselves to using frequency as a means of healing (inducing a greater sense of well being). Of course, these instruments aren't limited to frequency, they also allow one to produce rhythms, harmony and melody that are pleasing and therapeutic.
The Healing Art of Music
Of course, the concept behind the healing art of drumming can be applied to music playing at large because most instruments can be used in a way to improve our sense of well being, and thus lend themselves to the healing art of music.
