Osher teaches the didjeridoo to individuals and groups. And is also available on Skype. Contact Osher if you would like to book a lesson. Why Learn The Didjeridoo?
Oxygenating for the Body It is known to oxygenate the body, and this can be noticed in a more wakened and aware state that it produces. The focus on controlling the out breath, in circular breathing, is similarly known in yogic breathing practices to bring control over ones breathing and the flow and balance of oxygen. By gaining sufficient control over breath and oxygen intake in shorter quicker breaths, it can be argued that one gains greater control over the intake of air and thus in normal breathing the lungs work in a more thorough manner. A Stationary Workout Playing a didg can re produce the physical affects of an aerobic exercise whilst remaining stationary! The degree of this depends on the style of playing adopted and mostly the breath rate. At 120 breaths a minute for example, sweating can be a positive side effect of an exercise induced playing session.
An Internal Organ Massage The up and down diaphragm movement involved in circular breathing, supporting the quick intake or quick or pressurized dispelling of air, massages internal organs through the deep and or fast movements of air.
Soothing for the Nervous System The didgeridoo sound is commonly found to be soothing to the Nervous System. The vibration is often likened to what is called the primal sound of creation, Omm, perhaps explaining the didgeridoos soothing effect. Interestingly NASA taped somehow the sound of the earth rotating and they reported that it most sounded like a didgeridoo. When we sing a toning long lasting Omm, in the deeper note often accompanied, we perhaps replicate to some degree the sound vibration we heard and felt in utero. This experience is accentuated with a didgeridoo vibration in that the vibration is without gap and being that the didgeridoo magnifies and accentuates vibration of voice and lips. The rhythmic nature of the didgeridoo also reflects the breath and the heart beat further adding to the in utero argument as to why it is comforting. By the didgeridoo being rested at the mouth up against the jaw, the vibration is sent right through the skeletal system and thus through the whole body. Being that the spine encases and is the highway for the nerves it is not surprising that it is soothing to the nervous system. Didgeridoo playing is thus known to be a great de stress tool, being that it provides the benefits of sound as a soother, vibration as a relaxing force, and focus in learning an instrument as a distraction from worries and concerns.
Mentally & Emotionally Calming For the same reasons mentioned above in providing relief from physical stress, didg playing is often found to offer more subtle mental and emotional relief from worries or issues unresolved. In the creative or focused act of playing an instrument that is by nature fluid rather than set in its sound construct, it seems to create a space from which ideas, solutions or insights come into awareness. It is an emotionally expressive instrument in the use of voice and lungs as a means to accentuate sounds. For this reason, feelings can be expressed in a vocal way and yet be music to the ear. It can be a great way to connect with what we are truly feeling and to allow those feelings their sound and movement and to bring through, in right time, a new place of being.
Meditative Whether played consciously or unconsciously many refer to the didg as producing or supporting an altered state of awareness. It is thus meditative by nature in the repetitiveness of the breath connected rhythm and sound. When used with awareness to this and as a tool for meditation, it is often given credit for quite deep and life changing internal experiences.
Reducing Snoring and Sleeping Difficulties and Disorders Studies In Europe published in the English medical Journal, have confirmed that didgeridoo playing and circular breathing in particular, strengthen the larynx and the muscles supporting breathing, supporting the reduction or cessation of snoring. In a test group it was proven to improve or cure people suffering sleep apnoea. The relaxing affect of didgeridoo playing and the aerobic nature of the breathing most likely added to the reasons for improvement in those that played.
Asthma Relief Many Asthmatics have noted that didgeridoo playing brings relief from the symptoms of asthma. At the core of Asthmatic symptoms is an experience of lack of air. Some believe a degree of stress or tension can be an aggravating part of the cause, whereby the focus is on the in breath, being unable to relax and let go in the out breath. Being that didgeridoo playing is all about relaxing into the out breath and trusting that there is time and space to get air in when needed in a focused and conscious way, it may be highly beneficial. The diaphragm muscles used to circular breath are the same muscles that come into play when an asthmatic has to fight for every breath. The act of anyone learning to circular breathing is overcoming the experience of lack of air. Finding the point of ease in circular breathing where the body can regulate air intake in short and yet easy intakes is a success that seems wonderous. The impact of this psychologically let alone physically cannot be underestimated. The benefit to Asthmatics, aside from physically strengthening the muscles involved in breathing is that it may support emotionally resolving issues of fear as to lack of air, giving confidence and greater peace of mind.
Supportive to Visioning Didg playing is a wonderful pastime to ponder concerns, challenges and build clarity being that the relaxing drone and tone, and its meditative state that it induces; supports the unconscious to unravel and for our higher self to find space to bring through new clarities.
Empowering Intent Its no surprise that didgeridoo was used as a center piece in ritual. Sound is a force for carrying intent and like the power of the spoken word; didgeridoo carries with its sound the feeling that is its carrier. I never underestimate its power, and I respect its use.