Outside The Reiki Box January 2009 www.MHollanderRN.com   by Mary Hollander RN/RMT     Drumming   Last July I was asked by Dr. Vicario to coordinate the San Diego Cancer Research Institutes Volunteer Program.  I have been a volunteer with this program since 2004 as a Reiki Practitioner in Vista. It is an honor for me to work with the other volunteers in this capacity. They are all incredible healers and have such innovative ideas for the program. One of the ideas proposed by Teri Polley, R.N., Massage Therapist, was a drum circle once a month for the Cancer Center clients. After speaking with Teri, researching drumming and healing  we have added a Drum Circle to our Volunteer Program starting this month. I am very excited about this and wanted to share the information with all of you.   A drum circle is simply a group of people, with drums, sitting in a circle drumming. There is usually a leader who keeps the rhythm that the others follow. I have been to many drum circles with my husband. He is a “seasoned” drummer and takes part in serious drumming circles. Healing drumming does not require experience or the ability to keep a rhythm going. It only requires a drum, focus and a sense of humor!   Studies have shown that drumming can improve your quality of life by decreasing your stress hormone, cortisol. It enhances the body’s immune system, decreases pain by interrupting the pain cycle, enhances your sense of community thus decreases our sense of isolation and enhances communication.  Repetitive drumming also changes the brain wave activity by inducing a state of calm and focused awareness. Drumming brings your life back into balance.   There are studies on the positive effect of drumming on Alzheimer patients, autistic children, emotionally disturbed teens, substance abusers and trauma patients. These studies also demonstrate that drumming is a valuable treatment for stress, fatigue, anxiety, high blood pressure, headaches, pain, arthritis and insomnia.   I have a drum and have used it in my Reiki sessions. It is similar to sound therapy. It is very soothing and adds a different dimension to the session.   So, go out and get yourself a drum and start drumming! If you google drumming or drum circles you will find many in our area. Teri Polley also does a drum circle once a month for women in the Encinitas area. If you are interested email me and I will give you her contact information.   "Rhythm is the soul of life. The whole universe revolves in rhythm. Everything and every human action revolves in rhythm." - Babatunde Olatunji          HAPPY NEW YEAR   Mary       Flower Essences   Walnut       “The Midwife Flower”   “For those who have definite ideals and ambitions in life and are fulfilling them, but on rare occasions are tempted to be led away from their own ideas aims and work by the enthusiasm, convictions or strong opinions of others. This remedy gives constancy and protection from outside influences.”                                                                                                                                                                                   Edward Bach   This remedy is a favorite of mine. It is wonderful in times of change for children and adults.   Blocked State:             You are unable to stay true to your goals and desires.           You are making a major life change but are unable to move forward.           Major changes are taking place; birth, death, divorce, new job or school.           Major biological changes are taking place; menopause, illness, pregnancy.   Positive State:             You are able to do what is new.           You are able to move forward and take the final step.           You are immune to others influences.           You are open to inner inspiration or intuition. Place 4 drops under your tongue 4 times a day until you notice a change. The time it takes to see a change is dependent upon how long you have had the problem. My favorite way to use essences is to put 4 drops in a water bottle and sip at it all day. Essences can  be placed in any liquid hot or cold. Try placing 4 drops in your bath!