Your Brain on Drums

Finding your Rhythm; and why drumming might be one of the most effective ways to Biohack your brain.

JOHN WAKEFIELD of the WAKEFIELD PROTOCOL Drum Boxing Workout

JOHN WAKEFIELD of the WAKEFIELD PROTOCOL Drum Boxing Workout

 

Performing the WAKEFIELD PROTOCOL for the first time was a quite literal "mind blowing" experience for me. A simple setup in my driveway with big beautiful conga drums stacked on industrial buckets forming a rectangle surrounding me. Having just rolled out of bed without time for a caffeine dose there was no time to second guess. I hopped back and forth to the commands of the creator John Wakefield, tapping the heads of the drums with confidence and awe at my bodies reaction to the sound, rhythm, and vibration. Suddenly my thoughts became clear as day, ideas flowed through me at a rapid rate, time stopped, and I could not stop smiling!

I couldn't help but WONDER... what is really happening to my BRAIN when I play the CONGA DRUMS...

Why does it EXCITE me so much? How do I feel so CONNECTED and in the moment? What about it leaves me LONGING for more?

Turns out there are many scientists asking the same questions...

Here are 6 reasons that PLAYING DRUMS is good for your brain:

1. NEUTRALIZES STRONG EMOTIONS, REDUCES ANXIETY, and CREATES RELAXATION

Neuroscientist have found that drumming, similar to running, causes Bilateral Stimulation in the brain. Alternating left and right brain activity in a rhythmic way allows for emotional processing, therefore easing distress and relaxing you.

2. ENHANCES BRAIN FUNCTION AND CONCENTRATION

The rhythm of a drum beat causes cerebral blood flow increasing focus and brain function.

3. REBUILDS NEUROLOGICAL DAMAGE

Ongoing research suggests that long term drumming is a promising treatment for ADHD, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and neural damage caused by a Stroke by reconnecting neural connections and rebuilding lesions to restore and heal the brain.

4. HIGHER PAIN THRESHOLDS

Active performance of music, and not just listening to it, releases endorphins known as natural opiates.

5. TEAM BUILDING

Oxford Psychologists found, the endorphin-filled act of drumming increases positive emotions and leads people to work together in a more cooperative fashion.

6. INCREASES FEELINGS OF WELLBEING AND EUPHORIA

Drumming increases Alpha brain waves which allows the brain to be idle while not focusing on something thus creating a "drummers high". The sounds of the simple yet sacred drum have the ability to touch something deep and powerful within all of us.

No wonder we leave wanting more...

Aside from discovering these exciting facts about "MY BRAIN ON DRUMS", I learned that the Greek word RHYTHM means "TO FLOW" -- furthering my fascination with Flow-Inducing Experiences.

Get ready for more to come!

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ScienceChristina Hinds