We are surrounded by vibrating energy. Everything in nature is constantly vibrating and

every organism has its own vibratory rate, while every object in the universe has its own

unique resonant frequency. Even our bodies are vibrating - our heartbeat, breath, gastrointestinal tract, cranio-sacral pulse, stomach and brain waves all create pulses and vibrations. Together, every bodily organ combines to make up a composite frequency - just like the instruments of an orchestra. When any one organ is out of tune it can affect the whole body, and scientific research has identified specific sound frequencies which relate to different parts of the body. Therapeutic application of the appropriate sound frequencies can help disorders in those parts of the body.

The rate of the vibrations vary depending on our mood and environment; when we are relaxed for example, our heart beats at about 70 beats per minute, but when we become stressed this can increase to more than 95 beats per minute. A regular drumbeat however, will match or 'entrain' our heartbeat to its rhythm, so during a healing session a Drum Healer can quite simply induce a client's heartbeat and breathing to become optimised.

For thousands of years, Shamans and healers around the world have used forms of repetitive drumming to change our brain rhythm enabling us to experience trance-like states of consciousness, for the purposes of healing and divination. However, we have learned recently that low bass frequencies enter our bodies not just through our ears, but through our spines and then on to our pineal glands - the organ in the brain that produces the hormone melatonin that controls our body rhythms, and the modulation of the immune system. Sometimes referred to as the spiritual 'third eye', 'inner vision' or as Descartes called it 'the Seat of the Soul', this tiny but vital organ is well worth closer investigation.

Drum Healing can be administered to either individuals or groups. For the individual, the Drum Healer can work using their drums with the client/patient receiving the healing passively. When the healer discovers the relevant sound frequency and rhythm coupled with the right intention, then healing can begin. Response to rhythm is a basic primal function making percussion activities and healing techniques highly effective and motivating for people of all ages and backgrounds.

In a group 'Drum Circle' however, everybody has a drum and the Drum Healer turns facilitator to help create a sense of community, group identity and belonging as the participants actively make music together - the sustained repetition of the drum beats act to bring people together physically, emotionally, and mentally.

A Drum Circle creates a spontaneous, sociable, non-competitive and inclusive environment that generates a unique and uplifting atmosphere allowing the group to discover hidden talents and the individual to be energised, motivated, inspired, empowered, entertained and exhilarated; Drum Circles are especially effective for communities, schools and corporate applications.

Remo HealthRHYTHMS

In addition to Drum Circles, a research-based healing protocol emerged in the USA a few years ago: The HealthRHYTHMS Group Empowerment Drumming Protocol was developed by neurologist Barry Bittman, MD in collaboration with the Remo, the world's largest drum company.

The HealthRHYTHMS facilitation training teaches participants to facilitate the innovative, research-based HealthRHYTHMS protocol, and the training is delivered directly by Barry Bittman MD, and internationally acclaimed Keynote Speaker and Drum Circle Facilitator, Christine Stevens, MSW, MT-BC, MA.

Barry Bittman says: "Deep within the essence of who we are there's a sound, a vibration, an emanation that expresses life from every cell. It resonates in harmony with all living creatures - an inner voice ready to emerge as a vital heartbeat that inscribes a personal signature. The rhythm of life is a symphony - the expression of our soul revealed by the conductor within. Our unique voice resounds through the way we choose to live. When we

connect with each other and extend ourselves to one another, we share our gift."

Research has shown that the HealthRHYTHMS protocol can produce health benefitsincluding boosting the immune system, reducing stress, and improving mood states.

A study of 111 HealthRHYTHMS Group Empowerment Drumming participants showed a statistically significant increase in natural killer cell activity after a one-hour group session. Natural Killer cells are the white blood cells that seek out and destroy cancer and virally infected cells. Additionally, the protocol appears to reverse specific neuroendocrine and neuroimmune patterns of change associated with the classic stress response.

Graham Game is a trained Drum Circle and Remo HealthRHYTHMS Facilitator.

Contact Graham now for further information, a FREE NO OBLIGATION

discussion or to book an event or consultation.  Tel: 01787 222232