DIDGERIDOO FOR HEALTHY BREATHING
from The Blue Mountains Gazette
“There have recently been lively discussions in the media and in the Breathing Practitioner world regarding the benefits of didgeridoo playing for sufferers of obstructive sleep apnoea” says Jennifer Harris of Buteyko Breathe Easy. “The following description of the circular breathing involved in Didgeridoo playing was contributed by Linda House who is a Melbourne based Buteyko Practitioner.
“Playing the didge is not just like playing any other wind instrument. Other wind instruments can involve long exhalations that could increase hyperventilation. But the didge involves something called 'circular breathing' where you breathe in through the nose, then transfer air to the cheeks from which you blow into the instrument in a sort of continuous stream of small spits. Whilst blowing out the cheek air in this way, experts can simultaneously draw in more air through their noses. So they don't ever have to stop and take in a big breath. It is all nasal breathing and the exhalation is in the form of a minimal stream of air through lips that are pressed tightly together and pressed against the instrument to let out only a continuous sort of spurt. Experts can maintain the noise for a very long time, as they are only letting out a small amount of air at a time and taking in more simultaneously through the nose. They sit motionless and relaxed like a form of meditation and just play.
Playing the didgeridoo is not at all like playing other wind instruments. It is all about minimal breathing and is very helpful as a Buteyko training aid.”
Jennifer added “This kind of training is very in keeping with the skills that the Buteyko Breathing Method imparts. No, I do not teach didgeridoo. There are some wonderful players in the Blue Mountains though.”
If you have any questions about achieving better health through better breathing or wish to incorporate healthy breathing with Pilates phone Jennifer Harris BIBH FATD on 0414 833 857 or visit Jennifer’s website at www.pnc.com.au/~breatheasy or email breatheasy@pnc.com.au