Background The 'Yidaki' or 'didjeridu' is an end-blown musical instrument of the Australian Aborigine, generally made from termite-hollowed trunks or branches of trees. There are approximately forty Aboriginal names for this amazing instrument where it is traditionally used across the north-western parts of Australia. Some of the trees used are Stringybark, Woolybutt, River Red Gum, Ironwood, and more recently in South Australia, Box Gum, and wattles, although the instrument is not native to southern parts of the country. A rim of bees-wax makes up the mouthpiece, which may be as small as 1 inch. The open end of the didjeridu may be flared or opened up with a chisel or rasp to alter the pitch. The pitch is related to the diameter of the tube and the length of the instrument. Didjeridu's have been known to be as long as eight feet although many of these very long ones are generally used for sacred ceremonies. The more commonly used "didjes" are usually between three feet and 5 feet in length, and may be flared or "belled" at the end. Traditional Aboriginal myth and legend indicate the didjeridu has been present since the beginning of time, and was an important part of the creation story, playing its part in "sounding" the world into its form. However there is archeological evidence that the didjeridu has only been in use for the last thousand years or so. Modern legend has it that playing the didjeridu has a number of health benefits. There is no right way or wrong way to play the Didjeridu, so once you have mastered the basic drone and rhythmical breathing you can enjoy the benefits of "whole brain activity". According to eastern teachings all of the human body's acupuncture meridians are reflected on the lips, so the vibrating of the lips while playing, in effect gives you a good total body treatment, opening the body's energy pathways and re-charging the body's batteries. The short sharp breaths through the nostrils help clear out the nasal cavities, removing excess toxin-carrying mucus. The active use of the diaphragm while playing has a similar effect to certain yoga exercises that amongst other things aids digestion, and also can help tone and tighten your belly muscles.