How singers cope with sore throats and raspy voices
How singers cope with sore throats and raspy voices
(with help from honey, herbs, and acupuncture)
In Chinese Medicine, when studying herbal medicine, we learn that Pang Da Hai, sterculia seed, is the secret pocket remedy of many an opera singer. It clears heat, which manifests as irritation or even hoarseness, and also moistens the yin, thereby coating the throat. The way it is used is to pour hot water over the dry seeds which are about the size of a large almond. Once the Pang Da Hai has been submerged, an amazing phenomenon occurs...which is this amorphous gelatinous glob spreading out throughout the cup. While it looks strange, it is extremely effective. The tea, which is very mild in flavor, is sipped and enjoyed as the voice is preserved for both performance and just talking!
Honey is also an excellent remedy and preventative for singers and actors. It is so lubricating and is loaded with B vitamins, so that it is also an immune boost.
As far as acupuncture goes, there are several empirical points that work extremely well at both preventing and treating a sore throat. Some of these points are:
Lung 7 and Kidney 6
Large Intestine 4
Stomach 44
Stomach 42
San Jiao 6
Auricular point for the throat (ear acupuncture)
So, sing away, and feel assured by these simple yet effective preventions and remedies!
(with help from honey, herbs, and acupuncture)
In Chinese Medicine, when studying herbal medicine, we learn that Pang Da Hai, sterculia seed, is the secret pocket remedy of many an opera singer. It clears heat, which manifests as irritation or even hoarseness, and also moistens the yin, thereby coating the throat. The way it is used is to pour hot water over the dry seeds which are about the size of a large almond. Once the Pang Da Hai has been submerged, an amazing phenomenon occurs...which is this amorphous gelatinous glob spreading out throughout the cup. While it looks strange, it is extremely effective. The tea, which is very mild in flavor, is sipped and enjoyed as the voice is preserved for both performance and just talking!
Honey is also an excellent remedy and preventative for singers and actors. It is so lubricating and is loaded with B vitamins, so that it is also an immune boost.
As far as acupuncture goes, there are several empirical points that work extremely well at both preventing and treating a sore throat. Some of these points are:
Lung 7 and Kidney 6
Large Intestine 4
Stomach 44
Stomach 42
San Jiao 6
Auricular point for the throat (ear acupuncture)
So, sing away, and feel assured by these simple yet effective preventions and remedies!