The Didgeridoo – A Cure For Asthma Or Sleep Apnea?

No it is not as farfetched as it sounds; there is no magic in it.  But it would seem that the ancient Australian wind instrument developed by their indigenous people, the didgeridoo could actually help those with asthma.

The natural wooden trumpet that was developed about 1500 years ago promotes free breathing and has been seen to be useful for asthmatics. Aboriginal Australians have been seen to be able to manage their asthma symptoms better since playing the didgeridoo helps to develop a skill known as circular breathing. This can help asthma sufferers breathe more deeply.

didgeridooThis adds to the body of knowledge we have about the possible benefits of the didgeridoo since in an earlier study it was seen that playing the instrument could reduce snoring and day time sleepiness.

It is the collapse of the upper airways that causes snoring and obstructive sleep apnea and didgeridoo playing was seen to reduce these symptoms.

A study had been carried out in Switzerland on an experimental group where patients of sleep apnea were given lessons to play the didgeridoo for 4 months. The control group had no lessons and the experimental group experienced significant improvements in their sleep apnea and daytime sleepiness.

Source: Main Street