The Beat of your Own Drum: the history, science and contemporary use of drumming as a path for women’s wisdom, health and transformation

by Sophie Messager

Part practical guide, part scholarly exploration, and part inspirational journey, The Beat of your own Drum invites women to reclaim their rhythmic heritage and harness the healing power of percussion for personal and collective transformation.

Weaving together science and sacred wisdom, Sophie Messager explores the transformative power of drumming for women’s wellbeing. Written by a former biological research scientist turned holistic women mentor, this groundbreaking text bridges the gap between evidence-based research and ancient feminine wisdom.

Drawing on historical evidence, cutting-edge research, and personal experience, Sophie weaves together a compelling narrative that reveals drumming as far more than a musical practice. She explores its role in everything from supporting neurodivergent individuals to offering a natural alternative to psychedelics, from easing birth journeys to facilitating social change.

Sophie’s expertise in supporting women’s life transitions – from birth to perimenopause – enriches her investigation of how drumming can support these crucial thresholds. Her research spans from the historical significance of women drummers to contemporary applications in healthcare and ceremony, creating a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in the intersection of rhythm and wellbeing.

Whether you’re a seasoned drummer, a curious beginner, or a professional interested in innovative wellbeing approaches, this book offers practical guidance alongside fascinating insights. Discover how the simple act of drumming can regulate your nervous system, enhance your spiritual practice, and help you navigate life’s transitions with greater ease and authenticity.

395 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2025

About the author

Sophie Messager bridges worlds that rarely meet. A former reproductive physiologist with a PhD, she traded her microscope for a medicine drum after experiencing the transformative power of an empowered birth. Her decade-long journey as a doula, birth educator, and author of Why Postnatal Recovery Matters deepened her exploration of the rhythms surrounding women’s transitions.

Now a holistic life transition mentor, Sophie guides women through significant life thresholds – from birth to perimenopause and beyond.

Her unique combination of scientific expertise and spiritual insight allows her to serve as a compassionate space holder for those seeking to harmonise their analytical and intuitive selves, and reconnect with their inner wild woman.

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