Healing & Djembe Drums – can playing the djembe bring you healing?

Healing – as a Christian I believe in healing. Recently there has been discussion about the healing power of djembe drums. In this article I’m going to discuss my opinion on this idea.

Therapeutic: There’s something special about playing the djembe drum which is so calming. So many times I’ve been furious, upset or needing a pick me up and it has helped to drum along with Christian worship songs. Being part of a music group or a drum circle can also help emotionally. Just being part of something, something larger than yourself can bring you therapy. If you just focus on yourself all the time it’s possible to wallow in guilt. For this reason alone I recommend playing the djembe.

Reduce stress: It could be the banging (it always helps to hit something!), it could be the rhythms (getting into the groove), but playing the djembe drum really does help provide stress relief. African instruments lend themselves to bands playing together, each person finding their niche, finding their place in the group, and once you’ve been drumming for some time you can feel the stress rolling off you (as well as the perspiration!). According to recent medical research, stress causes 98% of all diseases. Recent studies show that drumming along with your heartbeat for 15 minutes alters brainwave patterns, actually increasing alpha waves and radically reduces stress. So drumming can actually contribute to improved health!

African Traditional Religions: The drum has been used as an integral part of traditional religious ceremonies in Africa for many many years. In Nigeria the “Talking Drum” was used in communication as well as ceremonies. The drums have been used in shamanistic ceremonies. Often used in healing ceremonies, the djembe drum is known as the “healing drum”. Some people are quite happy to “pick and mix” spirituality, and mix a bit of Christianity with a bit of tribal religion, with a bit of the latest spiritual idea. I am not one of those people. Personally, I follow Jesus and wouldn’t open my heart to other spirits. I feel like the spirit of Jesus (Holy Spirit) is pure, is God, and is trustworthy. I know it is possible with the traditional African religions to see healings taking place, I don’t deny that, but I would advise seeking Jesus for your healing.

The God who heals: I’m sure many of you have seen a healing evangelist on TV or at a church and have wondered what was the power behind the prayer? What was it that brought the healing to the hurting people? There is definitely a presence. I’ve seen the power of prayer, and Jesus healing all kind of illnesses & mental problems. I’m a follower of Jesus. I believe He is God, and has the power to heal. I am interested to see how music and drumming puts us in the right frame of mind, and allows the Holy Spirit to bring peace and healing. I’ve noticed that when worshipping Jesus I’ve felt the closest to God, and felt His presence, almost tangible, when worshipping through music. When I close my eyes and play my keyboard, thinking about Jesus, I feel closer to Him. I believe spiritual, mental and physical healing are found in Jesus. I believe he is the only God who can bring true peace and healing. Next time you play your djembe drum ask Jesus to make himself real to you and see for yourself!

Drumming can contribute to your wellness and scientifically shown to lower stress levels. However, I would caution against putting your trust in drumming to bring complete healing. You can find real peace only in Jesus.