In order to sing for 4 days at a sun dance or any other song driven ceremony, you run up against all kinds of limitations of the vocal cords. It’s important to take care of the throat to avoid lasting damage. Laryngitis is the result of phlegm from the lungs being expelled and collecting on the vocal cords, preventing their movement. In order to prevent laryngitis, you need to prevent phlegm. The other thing is to drink plenty of water to prevent the phlegm from thickening and keep the throat lubricated.
Medicines
- Thayers Slippery Elm Lozenges – soothes throat.
- Traditional Medicinals Tea – Throat Coat and Breathe Easy – support breathing and vocal cord health.
- Enzymes – Papaya and Bromelain – reduces phlegm
- Singers Throat Spray – Professional – supports the vocal cords.
- Vicks Lozenges – Vapo Cool – keeps the phlegm down and opens the lungs.
- Lemon – reduces phlegm.
- Honey – supports coating the throat for lots of singing.
- Ibuprofen – reduces inflammation.
Usage
- Ibuprofen – Use at night before bed to reduce inflammation of the vocal apparatus.
- Tea – Combine Throat Coat and Breathe Easy teas with honey and lemon at the end and beginning of the day.
- Throat Spray and Lozenges – Use intermittently throughout the day.
- Enzymes – Use at the beginning and end of the day.
Foods
- Avoid sugar.
- Determine if you have any subtle allergies that may constrict your throat.
- Caffeine isn’t great for your vocal abilities.
- Avoid dairy products as they produce phlegm.
- Drink lots of water.
Vocal Warmups
Do these before singing.
- Hum to invigorate the vagus nerve and start up the vocal cords. 30-60 seconds.
- Sweep Hum starting at lowest possible note to the highest possible note and back down. 30-60 seconds.
- Oh – Up a third and down a second from lowest note to highest note and back down.
- Ah – Move up in whole steps to a fifth and back down. Move up a whole step and repeat the process and go to the highest not possible, and back down the lowest.
- Purse the lips and repeat the above exercises forcing air from the lungs to vibrate of the lips.
