Singing with Hayfever
As the Hayfever season kicks up a gear, we’ve updated our thoughts on what can be done to help us all sing through it.
As a Hayfever sufferer, I expect you're already doing all the usual things ... taking your medication early, so the body builds up a defence against it; stop hanging your clothes, towels and bed sheets out on the line to dry so the pollen doesn't get into them, on you and into the house; no flowers in the house; If you're lucky enough to live by the sea - walks on the seafront help clear the airways; All stuff to help keep the pollen away.
Some years this just isn't enough .... who knows what the Great British summer will give us this year, but one things for sure; more of us are suffering than ever before, with new, more dramatic symptoms and if it's really sunny, it can be a double-edged sword for us Hayfever sufferers: bringing us symptoms like - inflammation and/or irritation of the vocal chords and congestion, which block the sinuses and really gets in the way!
Here's a list of some additional things to help:
NASAL CLEANSING. Rinsing out your sinus' daily through the hayfever season can help re-set your immune system. It also helps to flush out any pollen you are already holding, so you are starting with less in your system. Type in 'nasal cleansing' to Amazon and you'll find all manner of contraptions that can help with this.
STEAM. Steaming is a great way to manage it, plus has lots of additional benefits such as hydrating the vocal cords. Simply pop your head over a bowl of boiling water - add a drop of lavender oil too, if this is to hand. There's now lots of research surrounding Lavender Oil and it's benefits.
FILTERS. Using a Hepa filter, particularly in the bedroom can really help with clearing the home of pollen and help you sleep better. Sleep, as we've mentioned in a previous post is vital in keeping the voice at its best.
CLEANSE. A bit of clean eating never hurt anyone and if you go into the Hayfever season with the least amount of existing congestion in your body, it will help boost your immune system, creating a basis for your body to fight things off, but also help your voice along the way. Whole foods, proteins, fruits and veggies will all help, as will drinking plenty of water. Starting this now will ensure your ready for what the pollen has to offer!
ACUPUNCTURE. If you are really struggling, alternative therapies such as Acupuncture can really help to alleviate the symptoms. It works to reduce the inflammation caused by the allergic reaction. You can read more from local Acupuncturist, Steve Coster who has worked with our founder, Louisa to help her manage the symptoms as an alternative to medication: click here to read more
Additional remedies can be found on the post 'Remedies for a Scratchy Voice' which will also help to clear the congestion and alleviate some of the dryness.