[Harp-L] Health, Breathing, and the Harp

["Less Paul" <lesspaul58@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

(note to self: Yahoo is not harp-l. Quit trying to reply there!)

BassHarp wrote:
>
> I guess I'm sorry I posted the URL for the site regarding "Improving
Breathing Problems with Harmonica", which describes the use of harmonica to
improve breathing for those who have problems, primarily the elderly. This
is a program that is actually at the UofM in Ann Arbor, MI, and is not about
"proper breathing" for the healthy, but rather effective breathing as
assisted by the use of the harmonica. Some apparently missed the point, and
took the topic in a totally different direction.
> - Danny

I for one am glad you posted that link. I've written a bit about this in the
past: I have rather significant health issues. At one time I could not close
off the nasal cavity from the oral. I could barely swallow -- coming close
to a feeding tube -- and despite years as a vocalist with great lungs, I was
left me with roughly half normal lung capacity at the age of 40. 

It pained me not to be able to sing, so I decided I needed to do whatever I
could to restore what ever functionality I could. Since I had significant
commute time every day on a quiet highway, I decided harp would fill the
time, and the need.

The basics of harp slowly strengthened the diagphram and other muscles used
in breathing. The exercise and actions needed to bend notes worked the
throat and palate muscles. I can't say enough good things about the
theraputic benefits of playing harp. 

Previously I had been given exercises by a speech therapist. They were
difficult to do as you never quite knew if you were doing them correctly.
Harp would give me feedback that I was in indeed improving. Speech therapy,
while not quite time-travel, was pretty damn close -- it sure seemed to slow
the clock and minutes seemed like hours. Harp make the time fly by.

I truly believe that the harmonica should become a stock tool in speech
therapy when muscle atrophy is present.

I hope no one reads this thinking I'm trolling for any sort of kudo. I want
people to be aware that this little tin sandwich can do good in so many
ways. So keep it in mind if you find someone who suffers shortness of
breath, dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), etc. It sure won't hurt them.

Oh, and now that I can breathe again, I sing. And I play my harp.