1. Drumming

Drumming is a practice used all over Africa and the African Diaspora dating back centuries. The renowned master African drummer, Babatunde Olatunji once shared “other than the human voice, the drum is the most powerful, provocative, communicative instrument we have. It is an Instrument used to heal…to bring together people on all levels.” Numerous studies have proven the mental health impact of drumming. One study demonstrated that group drumming can reduce depression and anxiety and improve social resilience over a 6 to 10-week span.* Overall, drumming can help us regulate, connect, and move through difficult emotions.

*Citation: Fancourt D, Perkins R, Ascenso S, Carvalho LA, Steptoe A, Williamon A. Effects of Group Drumming Interventions on Anxiety, Depression, Social Resilience and Inflammatory Immune Response among Mental Health Service Users. PLoS One. 2016 Mar 14;11(3):e0151136. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151136. PMID: 26974430; PMCID: PMC4790847.

2. Singing

Singing has long been a healing strategy used throughout the African Diaspora. It is well known that musical hymns were practiced by our African ancestors before and during slavery to help cope with their distress. There is also research that backs up what we already know. One study done with mothers struggling with post-natal depression showed that a 6-week long singing intervention resulted in lower reported rates of depression and anxiety.* Singing in choirs can improve mental health, well being, and a sense of togetherness that reduces depression.*

*Citation: Estevao, C., Bind, R., Sawyer, K., Rebecchini, L., Hazelgrove, K., Miller, C., & Pariante, C. (2023). Online singing intervention associated with a reduction in depression, anxiety, and perceived stress symptoms in mothers with postnatal depression – the shaper-PNDO study. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 153, 106160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106160

3. Healing Circles

Healing circles have a long history in African communities. These circles are rooted in traditional African healing practices and have been a fundamental part of community life for centuries. While practices may vary across different African cultures, the underlying principles of communal support, spiritual connection, and holistic healing are shared across the diaspora. Some rituals may include prayer, chanting, drumming, and dancing. The combination of these elements aims to create a sacred and supportive environment for healing.

Citation: Auguste, Evan, et al. "Seeing one another: The creation of the Sawubona Healing Circles." (2022). Jordan, Meg. "Healing circles: An ethnographic study of the interactions among health and healing practitioners from multiple disciplines." Global Advances in Health and Medicine 3.4 (2014): 9-13.

4. Folk Medicine

Folk medicine is derived from a blend of African, indigenous, and diasporic influences. Folk medicine represents a holistic approach to healing that extends beyond the physical. Throughout the transatlantic slave trade and colonization, enslaved Africans brought with them a profound knowledge of herbal remedies, spiritual practices, and holistic well-being. Black communities developed an intricate system of folk medicine that encompassed herbal concoctions, spiritual rituals, and traditional healing methods. Native North American plants used in Afro-botanical healing include: Black walnut, Cudweed, Dogbane, Dogwood and Sassafras.