steel tongue drums for anxiety

Steel Tongue Drums – Heal Your Anxiety Naturally With Music and Sounds

Can steel tongue drums heal your anxiety naturally? An unforeseen side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic is a 40% increase in mental health issues. Reclaim yourself and your life with out any harsh medications.

What are Steel Tongue Drums

steel tongue drums for anxiety

Steel tongue drums, also known as tank drums or hank drums, are musical instruments that can help alleviate anxiety, stress, trauma, and promote relaxation. These steel-made, handpan drums are designed to produce soothing and melodic tones when struck with the hands or mallets. The calming and repetitive sounds produced by steel tongue drums can have a therapeutic effect on the mind and body, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

Natural Vibrations From Earth

steel tongue drums for anxiety

From the beginning of time, tribes and communities across all culture have used the sounds of nature and organic noises to evoke feelings of celebration, spirituality, mourning, and war. The connection between humans and the natural world has been a fundamental part of our existence, and the use of natural sounds in cultural practices and rituals is deeply rooted in our history.

The sounds of nature are often associated with spiritual practices. People have long sought solace and transcendence by becoming one with the natural world. The rhythmic crashing of waves, the rustling of leaves, or the chirping of birds can provide a serene backdrop for meditation, prayer, or religious ceremonies.

Steel Tongue Drums Benefits For Anxiety

steel tongue drums for anxiety

Steel tongue drums can be beneficial for anxiety for several reasons:

  • Relaxation and Stress Reduction: The soothing and melodic tones produced by steel tongue drums have a calming effect on the mind and body. Playing or listening to the instrument can help induce a state of relaxation, reduce stress levels, and promote a sense of calmness.
  • Mindfulness and Meditation: Playing a steel tongue drum requires focus and presence in the moment. Engaging with the instrument can serve as a form of mindfulness practice, helping to redirect attention away from anxious thoughts and grounding oneself in the present. The repetitive and rhythmic nature of playing the steel tongue drum can also support meditation practices, allowing for a deeper sense of relaxation and inner peace.
  • Emotional Release and Expression: Music has the power to evoke and express emotions. Playing the steel tongue drum provides an outlet for emotional release and self-expression. It can help channel and release pent-up feelings of anxiety, allowing for a cathartic experience and a sense of emotional well-being.
  • Sensory Stimulation: The tactile and auditory experience of playing the steel tongue drum engages multiple senses. The vibrations and resonance of the instrument can have a soothing effect on the nervous system, promoting a sense of grounding and reducing anxiety. The rhythmic patterns and repetitive nature of the instrument’s tones can also create a sense of predictability and comfort, which can be particularly helpful for individuals with anxiety.


How To Play Steel Tongue Drums

steel tongue drums for anxiety

Even if you don’t have a musical bone in your body, you’ll find steel tongue drums extremely easy to learn. There are a plethora of tutorials you can find online or you can just follow the beat of your heart and inner vibrations. The key is to empty your mind and open up your body’s natural chakras.

Follow These Steps to begin:

Positioning: Place the steel tongue drum on a flat and stable surface, such as a table or your lap. Ensure that it is at a comfortable height and angle for you to reach the tongues easily.

Hand Technique: You can play the steel tongue drum with your hands or with mallets. When using your hands, use your fingertips or the pads of your fingers to strike the tongues. Experiment with different hand positions and striking techniques to find the sound and resonance you desire.

Mallet Technique: If using mallets, hold them gently and strike the tongues with a relaxed wrist motion. You can use the padded ends of the mallets or experiment with different mallet types to achieve different sounds and tones.

Explore the Tongues: The steel tongue drum typically has several tongues of different sizes and pitches. Take your time to explore and experiment with each tongue. Strike them individually or in various combinations to create melodies, harmonies, and rhythms.

Dynamics and Articulation: Vary your striking force and speed to create different dynamics and articulations. Gentle taps will produce softer sounds, while stronger strikes will result in louder and more pronounced tones. Experiment with different techniques to add expressiveness and depth to your playing.

Listen and Respond: As you play the steel tongue drum, listen to the sounds it produces. Allow yourself to connect with the instrument and let the music guide your next moves. Listen for resonance, harmonics, and the overall mood created by the instrument.

Practice and Experiment: Like any musical instrument, playing the steel tongue drum requires practice and experimentation. Dedicate regular time to explore different rhythms, melodies, and improvisations. Watch YouTube videos where you can mimic simple patterns that you can build off of.

Remember, these steps are just a starting point, and there are no strict rules when it comes to playing the steel tongue drum. Embrace your creativity, have fun, and let the instrument guide you on a musical journey of relaxation and self-expression.


Related: The Best Pressure Points For Anxiety Relief

The Best Steel Tongue Drums

REGIS Alloy Steel Tongue Drum 8 Notes – 6 Inches

The REGIS Alloy Steel Tongue Drum is a beautifully crafted and versatile percussion instrument. Made from high-quality steel, it produces rich, soothing tones that can help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation. With its compact size and portable design, it is easy to play and transport, making it a great companion for meditation, yoga, or musical therapy sessions. The package includes mallets and a carrying bag, making it a convenient and complete set for anyone looking to explore the therapeutic benefits of playing the steel tongue drum.

Rakumi Steel Tongue Drum – 13 Notes 12 Inches

The Rakumi Steel Tongue Drum is a high-quality and affordable option for those seeking the therapeutic benefits of playing a steel tongue drum. Crafted with precision, it produces enchanting tones that promote relaxation and stress relief. With included mallets and a handy carrying bag, it offers convenience and portability, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced players alike.

AKLOT Steel Tongue Drum – 11 Notes 10 inches

The AKLOT Steel Tongue Drum is a comprehensive package that includes everything you need to start your musical journey. With its durable steel construction, it produces resonant and melodic tones that aid in relaxation and stress reduction. The set includes mallets, stickers for note labeling, and a sturdy bracket, providing a complete and convenient solution for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Its compact and portable design allows for easy transport, making it a versatile instrument for meditation, yoga, or musical therapy sessions.

FOUR UNCLES Steel Tongue Drum – 11 Notes 10 Inches

The FOUR UNCLES Steel Tongue Drum is a versatile and visually appealing handpan drum. It’s crafted from high-quality steel which produces captivating and resonant tones that promote relaxation and inner peace. The package includes mallets, a carrying bag, and a music book, making it a complete set for beginners and experienced players alike. With its compact and lightweight design, it is convenient to carry and can be enjoyed for meditation, music therapy, or casual entertainment.

Lronbird Alloy Steel Tongue Drum – 8 Notes 6 Inches

steel drums for anxiety

The Lronbird Steel Tongue Drum is a stunning and harmonious instrument that combines artistry with soothing sounds. Made with high-quality steel, it produces resonant tones that aid in relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness practices. The set includes a variety of drum sizes, ranging from 5 to 12 inches, allowing for a diverse range of musical expressions. With its unique malachite design, it serves as both a musical instrument and an aesthetic addition to any space.


Related: The Most Soothing Gifts For People With Anxiety

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