The Native American flute, a traditional ethnic wind
instrument developed by indigenous Native American cultures, is an end-blown flute
fashioned either from cane, hardwood, or softwood. The instrument evolved from
traditional uses in courtship, treatment of the sick, ceremony, signaling,
legends, and as work songs. During the late 1960s, the United
States saw a roots revival of the flute,
with a new wave of flutists and artisans. Today, Native American style flutes
are being played and recognized by many different peoples and cultures around
the world.
The Native American flute is sometimes used by music
therapists and music educators. Because of its simple and accessible design,
virtually anyone can play the flute. A recent study exploring physiological
responses to playing and listening to the Native American flute found a
significant positive effect on heart rate variability and concluded that the
instrument merits a more prominent role in music therapy and that a study of
the effects of flute playing on clinical conditions, such as post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
hypertension, anxiety, and major depressive disorder, is warranted. Read "An Exploration of Physiological Responses to the Native American Flute."