Rhythmic Adventures has attended a training program for Health Rhythms Protocol. Dr. Barry Bittman MD, along with Christine Stevens MSW, MT-BC and Remo Inc. developed this specific protocol as a part of a "whole body" health care approach. RA has attended the workshop led by Bittman and Stevens and is excited to share the information with the health care community.

Group Drumming Boosts Cancer-Killer Cells in Study:
A groundbreaking study published in the January 2001 issue of Alternative Therapies links a specific type of group drum playing, known as Composite drumming, with an increase in Natural Killer (NK) cell activity, one of the mechanisms through which the body combats cancer and viral illnesses. These findings reinforce the theory of a mind-body connection that influences the immune system, and may point the way to reversing the "Classic Stress Response" which depresses immune system function.

Led by Barry Bittman, MD, the research team tested a variety of different group drumming protocols and non drumming control groups made up of healthy adults at the Meadville, PA-based Mind-Body Wellness Center. In their findings, titled Composite Effects of Group Drumming Music Therapy on Modulation of Neuroendocrine-Immune Parameters in Normal Subjects, they found that one group drumming method in particular correlated with increases in NK cell activity, Lymphokine-Activated Killer (LAK) cell activity and chemical changes that together signal a strengthening of the bodyıs natural immune response and a direct connection between the external senses and the natural immune system.

"These results appear to point the way to a very exciting avenue of future research," Bittman says. "This is the first major controlled scientific investigation of the effect of this specific music-making protocol on activities of specific immune system cells that seek out and destroy cancer cells and virally-infected cells."

"Composite drumming enables people to enjoy myriad psychological and physical benefits. While immersed in this form of music making, their tension is rapidly transformed into a joyful, moving and enlivening experience. I believe group drumming should become an integral component of whole person care."

The study also found that the participating drummers improved their ratios of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to cortisol, a condition beneficial to immune system function, and found similar increases in NK cell activity stimulated by interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma, two examples of substances called "cytokines" that help drive the immune system.

In their research, the study team examined four types of one hour group drumming sessions: Basic, in which an instructor spent half the time discussing drumming and half the time leading the group in the actual activity; Impact, in which the same drumming technique was used but actual drumming was increased to 80 percent of the time; Shamanic, in which a Mayan shaman led the group and punctuated the drumming with a presentation of spiritual and cultural elements; and Composite. It was the Composite method that showed the strongest results in preliminary testing and formed the basis for the final experiment. Check out remo.com and click on Health Rhythms for even more information.