As the world grapples with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals who have survived the virus struggle with long-lasting symptoms, from fatigue and shortness of breath to cognitive dysfunction and depression. In the search for solutions, an unexpected ally has emerged: opera. Medical experts and opera singers alike are exploring the healing power of operatic breathing techniques, which have the potential to help COVID-19 patients recover from their symptoms and reclaim their physical and mental health. By harnessing the power of the voice, opera may hold the key to unlocking a new pathway to healing for those who have been impacted by the pandemic.
Operatic breathing is a breathing technique used by professional opera singers to produce consistent sound while singing. This technique involves controlled rib cage and abdominal wall movements that help strengthen the diaphragm and increase lung volume. Singing, including opera singing, has been found to be an effective way to improve lung health and breathing difficulties in patients with various lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some patients with long-lasting symptoms, also known as long COVID, have experienced fatigue, breathlessness, anxiety, muscle pain, and headache, among other symptoms even after clinical recovery. The English National Opera (ENO) has partnered with the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust to develop a unique breathing and wellbeing program called “ENO breath” to help patients with long COVID. This program involves vocal techniques and breathing exercises used by opera singers to improve lung health and alleviate respiratory symptoms.
The ENO breath program comprises one-to-one online conversation sessions followed by six weekly online workshops conducted by professional ENO singers. These workshops include warm-up exercises, breathing and vocal techniques, and lullabies to help manage mental health conditions such as anxiety. The program provides online digital materials such as exercise videos and audio/video songs to support training activities outside of the sessions. Weekly post-program drop-in sessions are also arranged for participants who wish to continue practicing breathing exercises and vocal training.
A randomized controlled trial on 150 participants found that most people who took part in the ENO breath program experience improved breathlessness while running and reduced anxiety. Almost 100% of participants expressed a willingness to continue practicing the exercises and activities even after completion of the program. The program has won the Royal Philharmonic Society’s (RPS) 2021 Impact Award.
In conclusion, operatic breathing is an effective method that has shown promising outcomes in patients with long COVID who experience breathlessness after recovery. The ENO breath program developed by a team of doctors, therapists, and opera singing trainers has helped many patients with long-lasting symptoms by improving lung conditions and overall wellbeing. This program may be a useful tool for healthcare organizations to consider in developing wellbeing programs to help patients with COVID-19 recovery and other respiratory conditions.
In conclusion, the power of opera extends far beyond the stage and the soothing melodies can help COVID-19 patients improve their breathing and overall health. Through the practice of operatic breathing, patients can unlock the healing potential of this art form and aid their recovery from long-lasting symptoms. While the pandemic has brought about unprecedented challenges, it has also highlighted the resilience and innovative thinking within the medical community. As we continue to navigate this global crisis, it’s important to keep exploring unconventional treatments that can help patients heal and boost their overall well-being. So give operatic breathing a try and unlock the healing power of opera for yourself!
