Singing for breathing

As part of a research project exploring breathing and breathlessness, a new singing group has been set up in Bristol for anyone who is living with a lung condition and their families and carers.

Life of Breath, a five-year project funded by the Wellcome Trust led by the
universities of Bristol and Durham, aims to find new ways of understanding
breathing and breathlessness and their relationship to both illness and
wellbeing.

The Singing for Lung Health Group, funded by the Life of Breath project and supported
by the British Lung Foundation, meets every Wednesday during term time at the Greenway
Centre in Southmead 1-2pm.

No singing
experience is required. The free sessions consist of gentle, uplifting vocal
exercises and easy songs in a friendly and informal atmosphere. There is also
discussion and training of breathing, and breathing using the diaphragm. The
group is run by a trained facilitator to ensure the classes are not just fun,
but can make a positive difference to each participant’s knowledge of and
ability to control breathing.

Professor Havi Carel from the University of Bristol’s recently created Centre for Health, Humanities and Science is one of the project’s Principal
Investigators.

She said:

“As well
as being great for wellbeing and mood, there is increasing evidence that
singing helps people living with lung conditions cope better with
breathlessness and feel more confident about their breathing.

“Breathing isn’t
just a bodily function. It allows us to speak, laugh and sing. It connects us
to the world. It reflects our state of mind and can be consciously controlled;
the personal and cultural meaning of breathing goes beyond the simple act of
keeping us alive.

“Breathlessness is
also a personal experience which can be very scary and sometimes requires
support. As a result,
health professionals find it hard to measure and difficult to treat. Those
living with breathlessness are often forgotten. We want to help people live
well with breathlessness.”

Jules Olsen, a
Bristol-based vocal coach, leads the singing group. She said:

“Singing is a
fabulous activity for health and wellbeing, particularly singing in a group
which adds a wonderful social aspect. The songs and
exercises are all simple and fun and accessible to all, regardless of age or
ability. Through this group, I hope we will not just improve
participant’s feeling of control over their breathing and better ability to
breathe correctly, but have a great time in the process.”

Sandra Taylor from
Burnham-on-Sea joined the group after being diagnosed with the lung condition
pulmonary fibrosis 15 months ago.

She said:

“My
condition is not as severe as other people’s but it is a progressive illness. The singing has
really enabled me to understand more about the process of breathing and
controlling my breathing which really helps manage my condition.

“I’m not a singer
by any means but I would really encourage anyone with a lung condition to come
along to the group. It’s great to meet with other people in similar situations
and compare notes to see how they are coping.”

The Life of Breath
team includes researchers from a number of different subjects including
medicine, philosophy, anthropology, history, arts and literature.

The project works
closely with the British Lung Foundation,
people affected by lung disease, healthcare professionals and people who use
their breath in interesting ways such as musicians, athletes and actors.

To register for the
singing group please contact the Life of Breath Project Administrator, Jordan
Collver, on 0117 331 0443 or email [email protected]
or just drop into any session.