Optimal Vocal Support

How do we breathe optimally for singing and avoid vocal stress?   Required is the recruitment of the muscles of the upper chest, including the intercostal and pectoral muscles, the abdominal muscles and all of the muscle groups of the back.  All of these muscles must be taught to release effectively so they can follow the diaphragm’s motion.  Conversely, the diaphragm must be trained to be optimally free and strong so it can effectively lead the rest of the muscles and structures in the movement of breathing.  Only then is it possible to allow a gentler meshing of support and vocal fold activation and avoid stressful use of the voice.

There is a system that brings together all of the components needed in order to achieve the ideal breath support.  It teaches the ideal release and coordination of all the muscles and structures, scientifically target trains the diaphragm and is geared to synchronize the aforementioned muscles so that the support is perfectly balanced with the resistance from the vocal cords.  It is called “The BreathingRx For Singers System”.  It is based partially upon “Breathing Coordination”, (Carl Stough's discovery of scientific diaphragm training.)  Breathing Coordination has been tested with extraordinary success on Olympic athletes as well as opera singers.  Broader benefits exist beyond those of singing alone as there is increased oxygen in the bloodstream, brain, central and autonomic nervous system as well as body tissues.  As a result of the additional oxygen nervousness would be reduced, memory increased and physical, (and vocal,) endurance would be enhanced.
Dr. Modesto Fontanez MD, Neurosurgeon and Dramatic Tenor

Herbs to Eradicate Mucus

 Getting rid of mucus in the throat, chest and lungs is one of the most difficult and pressing issues for the voice professional. We need mucus in our throat and a thin lining on our vocal cords to keep the cords hydrated and flexible. This is the way our body naturally takes care of our vocal cords. However, as voice professionals, to much mucus can be our worst nightmare. Over the counter and prescription drugs may remove the excess mucus but at what cost? Drying of the entire throat and vocal cords, dizziness, mental fog, digestive discomfort such as constipation or diarrhea and fatigue are just a few of the side effects that one can experience. In this post I will give you more than enough choices of excellent herbs that have been tried and tested through out the ages to get rid of excess mucus in the throat, chest and lungs without affecting the rest of your body negatively. They are safe, effective, and help the rest of your body to heal as well. Remember, from my other posts on food and diet, that excess mucus is almost always the body telling us we are off track with what we are consuming. Here are the herbs you may use, all of these herbs are very effective when used as a tea:
1. ANGELICA
Angelica is a very good herb that may be used to break up mucus in the lungs. It is often used to ward off the flu or a cold and can break up mucus from a cold very quickly.
NOTE: Angelica should not be taken by anyone who is pregnant or has diabetes.
2. BLUE VIOLET
Blue Violet is excellent at relieving severe headaches and especially congestion in the head. It is known to clean mucus out of the system.
3. COLLINSONIA:
Collinsonia soothes the mucus membranes. It has slight astringent properties relieving inflammation of the throat due to colds and flu.
4. COMFREY
Comfrey is one of my personal favorites. It is used for lung problems, hoarseness, sore throat and is very effective in clearing the mucus membranes. It is also high in potassium providing the body with energy.
5. PLEURISY ROOT
Pleurisy root is very good for all chest disorders. It is one of the best herbs known for breaking up colds and releasing mucus.
The following herbs may be used as powders when crushed up and sniffed in the nose, gargles or applied to the chest or throat externally to release mucus.
1. COLTSFOOT
Coltsfoot is very soothing to the mucus membranes. Boil a heaping teaspoon in a quart of water as a tea then take a cloth and moisten it with the freshly made tea. Apply it to the chest and throat for ten or fifteen minutes. This will loosen the phlegm and is good in all coughs and bronchitis as well as all lung troubles. For nasal congestion and obstruction, crush the leaves into a fine powder and sniff the powder into the nostrils.
2. FENUGREEK SEED
Fenugreek seed is very useful when crushed up and sniffed into the nostrils. Especially when dealing with mucus from allergies and mucus in the head and chest.
3. HYSSOP
Hyssop is mentioned in the bible in Psalm 51:7: “PURGE ME WITH HYSSOP AND I SHALL BE CLEAN; WASH ME AND I SHALL BE WHITER THAN SNOW.” It is extremely useful for all mucus problems in the chest throat and lungs. Use it as a gargle to loosen up mucus in the throat.
NOTE: Never use for more than one week at a time.
There you have some excellent herbal solutions to mucus problems in the throat, chest and lungs. Always consult an herbal practitioner and you doctor when you have questions about dosage and mixing herbs with any medications you may already be taking.
As always, I wish you the best on your quest for Superior Vocal Health.


 

David Aaron Katz is a Cantor and international singer of Opera and Broadway as well as a nutritional consultant, Herbalist and Reiki practitioner. He has been using herbs, supplements and diet for over 20 years to enhance, strengthen, heal and maintain his voice and has helped countless others do the same. He uses his unique combination of Professional performance experience and nutritional expertise to empower and educate all voice professionals to take the health of their voice and career into their own hands.