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Presentation
Abstract - Melinda Maxfield, Ph.D.
The
purpose of the research was to determine whether various drumming
patterns would be associated with different brain wave activity, as
measured by cortical EEG , and to determine if the subjective experience
of percussion in general, and rhythmic drumming in particular, would
elicit images or sensations with a common theme.
Twelve
participants were divided into three groups and monitored for EEG
frequency response to three separate drumming tapes.
These tapes included: Shamanic Drumming, at approximately 4 to 4
1/2 beats per second; I Ching Drumming, at approximately 3 to 4 beats
per second; and Free Drumming, which incorporates no sustained rhythmic
pattern. Four cortical sites,
bilateral parieto-temporal and parieto-central areas, were monitored for
each participant during three sessions.
At the conclusion of the sessions, each participant prepared a
brief written account and was given a tape-recorded interview of his or
her subjective experience. These subjective experiences were then
categorized according to recurring themes and consensual topics.
This
research supports the theories that suggest that the use of the drum by
indigenous cultures in ritual and ceremony has specific
neurophysiological effects and the ability to elicit temporary changes
in brain wave activity, and thereby facilitates imagery and possible
entry into an ASC (altered state of consciousness), especially the SSC (shamanic
state of consciousness).
Drumming
in general, and rhythmic drumming in particular, often induces imagery
that is ceremonial and ritualistic in content and is an effective tool
for entering into a non-ordinary or altered state of consciousness (ASC)
even when it is extracted from cultural ritual, ceremony, and intent.
The drumming also elicits subjective experiences and images with common
themes. These include: loss
of time continuum; movement sensations, including pressure on or
expansion of various parts of the body and body image distortion,
"energy waves," and sensations of flying, spiraling, dancing,
running, etc.; feelings of being energized, relaxed, sharp and clear,
hot, cold, and in physical, mental, and/or emotional discomfort;
emotions, ranging from reverie to rage; vivid images of natives,
animals, people, and landscapes; and non-ordinary or altered states of
consciousness (ASC), whereby one is conscious of the fact that there has
been a qualitative shift in mental functioning., including the shamanic
state of consciousness (SSC) journeys, out-of body experiences (OBEs),
and visitations.
A
pattern that incorporates approximately 4 to 4 1/2 beats per second is
the most inducing for theta gain. (Theta frequency is usually
associated with drowsy, near-unconscious states, such as the threshold
period just before waking or sleeping.
This frequency has also been connected to states of
"reverie" and hypnogogic or dream-like images.)
The pattern of the drumbeat as it relates to beats per second can be correlated with resulting temporary changes in brain wave frequency (cycles per second) and/or subjective experience, provided the drumming pattern is sustained for at least 13-15 minutes.
*Melinda Maxfield will not be in attendance due to recent extenuating circumstances. Emil Jovanov will be presenting in her place.
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