There may not be a lot of good things to say about stress, but the one thing I will say for it is it can often lead us to explore various methods for healing and grounding. Our modern sensibilities can often dismiss such simple things as being effective, but our more natural self understands these things are not only simple but necessary for our health and well-being.
A rain drum is an ancient therapeutic instrument that not only creates wonderfully beautiful sounds that are soothing but it also has a profound effect on the body's ability to ground with nature and balance the chakra energy system.
Rain Drum Origins
A rain drum has been traditionally used by indigenous cultures in Southeast Asia, specifically Vietnam and Indonesia. It was typically made of bronze and played integral roles in ceremonies, rituals, and spiritual practices. These were not mere musical instruments but rather spiritual and ceremonial tools.
Rain drums were used for ceremonies marking rites of passage and blessing seasonal events like planting and harvests. The act of playing a rain drum was a communal expression of gratitude and reverence for the gift of rain. Most specifically, they were used spiritually to help people find harmony with natural elements. Alignment and attunement to nature was of great importance to these early civilizations as they knew so much of their very existence was only possible because of the abundance and support of nature itself.
These drums often were adorned with motifs featuring animals, plants, and spiritual entities. They conveyed stories usually around fertility, interconnectedness of humans with the natural world.
The original rain drums were designed in a circle similar to how we know other types of drums. The materials were typically wood, metal, and animal hides. Spiritual adornments would be carved into the piece or applied with crystals.
The design was intentional to create specific sounds when hit. It was sensitive enough to also play sounds when raindrops hit the surface. The drum's sound is rhythmic and mimic the sound of rain, hence the name. The patterns created provide both a calming and meditative experience that promotes mindfulness and centering of energy.
The rain drum can be played using a stick or rod or by nature itself with raindrops.
How the Rain Drum Promotes Grounding with Nature
A renewed interest in grounding has brought many people outdoors barefooted. It is a wonderful return to our natural state but many people struggle with realizing the benefits of this important practice.
Grounding or otherwise known as Earthing, is the practice of reconnecting the human body to Earth's natural energy. This is restorative and therapeutic to our own energy. Depending on your stress, toxicity and health state what you may experience from grounding can differ. It is a complementary method I use with clients to help deepen health support to heal from stress imprints and support health changes being made. It can therefore take a while before we start to see changes and results from the grounding practice.
What we are looking for when we do grounding is a state of balance and harmony. Rain drums can support this experience when in use while grounding due to their rhythmic sound and calming effect. Together grounding and a rain drum encourage a meditative state that enhances the awareness of the present and deepens that connection to Earth. We are then able to create a more balanced flow of energy in the body essential for the feeling of being grounded, centered, and calm.
I often find clients who struggle with meditation find it easier to start with grounding with a rain drum. It helps the body and mind breathe so we can allow relaxation and trust in the process to occur more naturally. Forcing change in the body because we think something is good for us only heightens the stress imprint negating any benefit we are trying to realize.
How the Rain Drum Works to Balance Chakras
Our bodies have seven main energy centers known as chakras. They are located along the spine corresponding to different emotional, mental, spiritual and physical aspects of our being. When we are experiencing stress it influences the energy flow of the body. By balancing our chakras and removing the blocks slowing or preventing energy flow we can improve the body's ability to stimulate its own healing.
There are many techniques that can be used to balance the energy of the body. Reiki, crystal healing, Emotion Code, acupressure, reflexology, sound baths, magnetic therapy, pranic therapy and more all are effective energy medicine. The best method however, is the one that works for you based on your unique health needs. This is why working with a trained professional is important as your results can be drastically different is the technique used does not resonate with your unique needs. Many of these services I offer in my practice and I believe most trained professionals do offer many because of the importance of aligning the right approach to your individual needs. In natural medicine there is not a one sized fits all or most approach when it comes to stimulating self-healing.
Rain drums fall into the sound bath category with singing bowls. They can be used manually or with nature to produce the frequency sound needed to promote healing. Each chakra energy center will respond differently to the frequencies and the rain drum can be used to promote focus on specific areas where needed.
When a rain drum, grounding practice and chakra balance are all used together we can realize some incredibly deepened experiences. I personally recommend clients set a sprinkler to their rain drum in the garden and then go stand where they can hear it barefooted. From there it is a matter of breathing and letting nature do its best work. - Amy Kramer, Naturopathic Doctor
There are specific benefits to each chakra we can realize with a rain drum that often provide a way of rejuvenating these centers that is similar to other sound bath techniques. It however, can more often be personalized to the individual.
Root Chakra benefits with a rain drum:
The deep grounding beats of the rain drum connect us to Earth, and reinforce our sense of stability and security. This can be particularly helpful to those experiencing anxiety and high stress.
Sacral Chakra benefits with a rain drum:
The fluidity and natural rhythms of the rain drum stimulate creativity and emotional energy flow to help unblock stagnant energy in this area of our health. This is ideal for those that are feeling stuck or that have habits that are limiting their ability to grow and progress on goals.
Solar Plexus benefits with a rain drum:
The empowering sounds of the rain drum can bolster our self-confidence and personal power. This can be helpful when releasing fear, doing shadow work, and feeling the need to reinforce our confidence in our own abilities.
Heart Chakra benefits with a rain drum:
The harmonious soothing sounds foster feelings of love, compassion, kindness, empathy and gratitude that can promote healing in relationships, including the relationship with self.
Throat Chakra benefits with a rain drum:
The rhythmic patterns can encourage clear communication and expression of ideas, thoughts and true self that promotes overcoming blocks in relationships.
Third Eye benefits with a rain drum:
The meditative quality of the rain drum's sound is helpful in enhancing intuition and deepening our own insight so we can facilitate a stronger connection to our own inner wisdom and spiritual guidance.
Crown Chakra benefits with a rain drum:
The ethereal quality of a rain drum helps connect us to our higher guidance and consciousness including spiritual realms. This can promote and enhance the feeling of oneness and enlightenment.
To try other methods of chakra and energy balancing, I recommend booking a session.
Home Practice with a Rain Drum
Even if you are not fully open to trying all of the recommendations in this post, it is entirely possible to simply enjoy the musical notes of a rain drum. It is a unique sound that makes nature closer to us in our daily living.
There are many different designs and types of rain drums ranging in price from about $20 and up. Many include drumsticks and rods to play manually. This is one item that you can get for personal use without spending a lot of money. They also range in design, size, and color so you can personalize the item for your own interests.
I set my own simple rain drum in my vegetable garden where it can sing to my plants every time it rains or I water the garden. It just seems to make this space more special to me as a refuge from my own stress. I find it relaxing to go into the garden and hear the rain drum even if its just a beat or two. As I've used it more and more, it is fascinating to me how quickly I can switch to what I was thinking and stewing over to being aware of where I am. It helps transition me from daily stress to daily living in a way that feels encouraging and supportive.
Health and well-being often starts with our own path to healing and the reconnection to nature is one of the best medicines available.
Book your session today at www.dragonspitapothecary.com
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