ABOUT THE DIDGERIDOO
HOW TO PLAY
CIRCULAR BREATHING
DIDGERIDOO RHYTHMS
CHOOSING A DIDGERIDOO
CARING FOR YOUR DIDGE
ODDS AND ENDS
FAQ
HOW TO PLAY PRO NEW!
OTHER SERVICES
CONTACT
LINKS
Would like a link? Contact me!
WHY PLAY DIDGERIDOO?
Playing for health and well-being
As you may have already discovered, playing the didgeridoo is all about breathing properly. To do this, you really have to concentrate on your breathing technique.
It is no wonder then that playing the didgeridoo, and especially the act of circular breathing, can offer a similar experience to meditation and relaxation sessions, considering the focus on breathing is just as important in these practices as it is in didgeridoo playing.
Just as you may be asked to ‘concentrate on your breathing' as you exhale and inhale in a relaxation or meditation session, you certainly will doing that as you play didgeridoo. Circular breathing requires a strong understanding of the body and its breathing function.
Subsequently, you may experience the same results, that is, you may feel more relaxed, more in tune with your body, have a heightened sense of awareness or just ‘chilled out’ in general. These benefits you may find useful in combating such things as stress, anxiety and tension.
Why not focus on your breathing AND play didgeridoo. You'll be able to make some great sounds at the same time!
It also may be a lot cheaper to concentrate on your circular breathing while playing didgeridoo than paying top dollar for someone else to tell you how to breathe properly!
Playing didgeridoo is also a very physical activity. It requires constant movement of the muscles that controll the stomach, diaphragm, cheek, tongue and mouth. Playing the didgeridoo can also give you a great ab workout at the same time!
While playing didgeridoo should never require over exertion, the effort required to circular breathe and sustain fast, pulsating rhythms is enough to get the blood flowing. Therefore, sustained didgeridoo playing can be a great, low impact cardiovascular exercise.
Consequently, didgeridoo playing can contribute to improved blood flow, stamina and general health and fitness. While activities such as walking and swimming would offer greater, all round fitness benefits, playing the didgeridoo could offer a fun alternative, especially in cases where someone may be may not easily be able to get around.
Aside from the physical benefits, playing the didgeridoo can contribute to an improved sense of well being. Learning to circular breathe is such an intriguing challenge requiring much focus and discipline, that, when conquered can be an immensely satisfying experience.
Also, learning new techniques and learning and creating new rhythms can be very rewarding when unique and great sounding didgeridoo solos are the result. These experiences can contribute to making someone feel better about themselves for what they have achieved.
Furthermore, learning and playing the didgeridoo requires many problems to be solved and many new techniques and rhythms to be learnt and memorized. This is yet another way we can help keep our minds stimulated and active.
To add to the list of benefits of playing didgeridoo, an article published in the British Medical Journal describes a study which assessed the effect of didgeridoo playing on those with moderate obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.
The article concluded that "Regular didgeridoo playing is an effective treatment alternative well accepted by patients with moderate obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome." Read the full article here.
Why I play
Personally, I enjoy playing the didgeridoo not only because of the great sound it makes, but because of the benefits associated with focused and sustained circular breathing. While I don’t play didgeridoo purposely as form of meditation, a good session certainly helps me to keep me balanced and on a level footing and I feel quite refreshed and relaxed after playing. I also enjoy the natural high I get from the exertion spent on knocking out some really cooking rhythms.
Most of all, I enjoy coming up with the new techniques and rhythms to add to my repertoire of didgeridoo solos. The reward and satisfaction I get from this makes me feel good about myself and keeps me wanting to play didgeridoo for another day.
Login to PRO
In summary
Playing the didgeridoo can be similar to meditative exercises, where you have to concentrate on your breathing.
Playing the didgeridoo is a form of light exercise which will have associated benefits.
Learning the didgeridoo is a way to stimulate your brain and keep it active.
Learning the didgeridoo can be a rewarding experience which can contribute to your general well-being.
Playing the didgeridoo is also known to help people with sleep disorders. Read about it here.
Poll Question