The healing power of djembe drums has been thrown around ad nauseum recently. In this short article I will talk about this idea of healing, and express my thoughts, as a follower of Jesusto this idea.

Therapeutic: There’s something special about playing the djembe drum which is so soothing. So many times I’ve been furious, upset or needing a lift 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 healing. If you just focus on yourself all the time it’s possible to wallow in self pity. For this reason alone I recommend playing the djembe drum.

Stress Relief: 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 eliminate stress. African instruments lend themselves to groups 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 better health!

Traditional Tribal Religions in Africa: Religions in Africa often use the djembe in their healing ceremonies. Often used by shamans the djembe drum is known as the “healing drum”. I know it is possible with the traditional African religions to see healings taking place, they certainly have shown a level of power in the area of healing. I don’t want to open myself up to the spirits they call down. Some people are quite happy to “pick and mix” spirituality, and mix a bit of Christianity with a bit of traditional African religion, with a bit of the latest spiritual idea. I am not one of those people. Personally, I follow Jesus, and trust in Him for my healing.

Christian Healing: I am a follower of Jesus. I believe He is God, and has the power to heal. I’ve seen the power of prayer, and Jesus healing all kinds of sicknesses and deformaties. I am interested to see how music and drumming puts us in the right frame of mind, and more open to the Holy Spirit to move and bring healing. Certainly when in Christian worship services I’ve felt the closest to God, and felt His manifest presence, almost tangible, when worshipping through music. When I close my eyes and play my djembe, focussing on Jesus, I feel close to Him. Spiritual, mental and physical healing are found in Jesus. I believe He is the only one who can bring true healing which comes out of prayer and relationship with Him. Next time you play your djembe drum ask Jesus to make himself real to you and see for yourself!

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

Healing – as a follower of Jesus I believe in healing. Recently there has been discussion about the healing power of drumming. In this article I’m going to talk about my thoughts on this idea.

Chill out by playing the djembe: There’s something special about playing the djembe drum which is so calming. So many times I’ve been frustrated, upset or needing a lift 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 bigger than yourself can bring you healing. If you just focus on yourself all the time it’s possible to navel gaze in self pity. For this reason alone I recommend playing the djembe.

Stress Relief: According to recent medical research, stress is connected to 98% of all diseases. Recent studies show that drumming along with your heartbeat for 15 minutes alters brainwave patterns, actually increasing alpha waves and dramatically reduces stress. So drumming can actually contribute to better health! Perhaps it’s the banging (it always helps to hit somethiing!), it may be the repetitive rhythms helping you to relax and get in the groove of the music. Either way, playing the djembe really does help eliminate stress. African instruments lend themselves to playing in bands. Each person in the band finding their niche, their place – brings security, improves self esteem, and leads to friendship – everyone needs friends!

Traditional Tribal Religions in Africa: Religions in Africa often use the djembe in their healing ceremonies. Often used by shamans the djembe drum is known as the “healing drum”. I know it is possible with the traditional African religions to see healings taking place, they certainly have shown a level of power in the area of healing. I don’t want to open myself up to the spirits they call down. Many 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 fad. I am not one of those people. Personally, I follow Jesus, and trust in Him for my healing.

Jesus heals: 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 playing the djembe 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 manifest presence, almost tangible, when worshipping through music. When I close my eyes and play my djembe, 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 ask Jesus to make himself real to you and see for yourself!

I would say that trusting, believing & following God is the path to truly fulfilled life. Drumming can contribute to your well being, and can lower stress levels, but if you want true healing then I would say you should find it in Jesus, rather than drumming.