The Science of Rhythm

“Rhythmic exercises…are central to the clinical application of our growing understanding of neurobiology, in particular the impact of dysregulation of primal brain function due to trauma or neglect. Both the brainstem and midbrain region are strongly affected by rhythms as they organize in the womb and during the first years of life…

Patterned, repetitive neural input into the brainstem and diencephalon monamine neural networks assist with the realignment of homeostatic systems and help reduce anxiety, impulsivity and other trauma related symptoms.”

– Dr. Bruce Perry, From The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics

“Thanks to a small band of trauma specialists working in the neuroscience field, there is scientific support for the way rhythmic music impacts the centers of the brain…that are responsible for how we process trauma. These areas dictate our behavioral responses and are free of the influences of cognition – hence the limited scope for talked-based therapies in supporting people who are living with emotional pain.”

– Simon Faulkner, Rhythm2Recovery

“Through an enormous expenditure of effort and resources, modern science is coming to the same conclusions the ancients knew from immediate experience: that life is inexorably rhythmic.”

– Layne Redmond – Author, When Drummers were Women