Internationally Acclaimed Music and Medicine Program Comes to Chaska

Internationally Acclaimed Music and Medicine Program Comes to Chaska

VALENCIA, Calif., April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 2-4, 2008 leading neurologist and mind-body researcher Barry Bittman, MD and internationally renowned music therapist Christine Stevens will be presenting the HealthRHYTHMS(R) Group Empowerment Drumming facilitation training program. This weekend training includes cutting-edge information on mind-body medicine techniques for facilitating a research-based protocol using group drumming for health outcomes.

HealthRHYTHMS is a division of REMO Drum Company, based in Valencia, California, that provides research, training, articles, instruments, and programs pertaining to the use of group drumming in hospitals for integrative medicine, in schools for classroom management, in corporations for employee wellness and teambuilding, and in community events and support groups. The evidence-based one-hour protocol integrates group drumming with proven health strategies to support individuals in their quest for well-being.

Six supporting research studies have been published since Bittman led a renowned research team in the first biological study on the effects of group drumming in 2000. Published in The Journal of Alternative Therapies, this study showed a significant increase in NK (Natural Killer) cells, circulating white blood cells that seek out and destroy cancer and virally infected cells, after the one hour drumming protocol. Featured as an expert guest on CNN Headline News, Dr. Bittman spoke about his study published in Advances in Mind-Body Medicine (2003) on the use of the HealthRHYTHMS group drumming protocol for long term care workers. The study indicated it improved mood, reduced burnout, and resulted in significant economic savings due to the actual 21.8% staff turn-over reduction experienced.

Christine Stevens recently traveled to Iraq where through Kurdistan Save the Children she was able to use drumming to bring people together from different parts of Iraq for conflict resolution and youth empowerment. The sessions were attended by the first lady of Iraq. And now, drum circles are being used as a community building tool in the very facility Saddam Hussein once used for torture. "You cannot imagine. Our lives in Mosul are terrible; this is like a dream for us. We have come together to share and learn," says a 23 year old student from Mosul, Iraq.

Annie Heiderscheit, Ph.D., MT-BC, FAMI, NMT Graduate Professor at the Center for Spirituality & Healing, University of Minnesota in Minneapolis uses HealthRHYTHMS for family therapy sessions and group work with eating disorder patients. Professor Heiderscheit notes, "there is a tremendous process that takes place during HealthRHYTHMS sessions which not only connects people to their inner spirit, but also connects them to their community at large".

Individuals from many different backgrounds participate in the training program. No prior musical or healthcare experience is required and drums are provided for all trainees to use during the program.

CONTACT:
Alyssa Janney
Tel: 661-294-5655
ajanney@remo.com

www.remo.com/health

Annie Heidersheit
heide007@umn.edu

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: REMO Drum Company

Contact: Alyssa Janney, +1-661-294-5655, ajanney@remo.com, or Annie
Heidersheit, heide007@umn.edu, both for REMO Drum Company

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