The Worth of Mirth!

I was scanning my radio stations the other day while traveling, and I happened upon an interview between 2 women discussing child birth. It seems that many women who have done some research on the subject, are asking their physicians for a safer way to handle labor and birthing pain. They don't wish to be drugged so much and possibly pass it on to the baby.

The Lamaze technique of relaxation and concentration and breathing during labor and delivery has helped many women, but not all expectant moms are able to use it. Lamaze doesn't always address the "anxiety" and "fear"which act as magnets for the resulting pain.

According to the 2 women who were discussing this, one a nurse mid-wife, and the other an OB-GYN, the most effective method of reducing and in some cases virtually eliminating labor and birth pain is....LAUGHTER!

It has been shown is many case-studies that laughter relaxes the body and displaces the fear and anxiety that accompanies child birth.

I started to ponder this and decided to "google" laughter and its physiological aspects.

In one article it said that

"Laughter provides a physical release for accumulated tension."

In another article, I read this:

"Laughter, and not simply distraction, reduces discomfort sensitivity, suggesting that laughter has potential as an intervention strategy for the reduction of pain."

Now, way back in April, I think of 2005, I sent out a re-print of an article I had read in Natural Health Magazine about the benefits of singing and the resulting lessening of pain and stress.

I started to think about that after hearing this conversation between the 2 women on childbirth, and, remembering my own experiencing of delivering my children while singing, made me realize something.

Although nothing I have read says so specifically, I just have a sneaking suspicion that since singing and laughter equally activate the use of the body's DIAPHRAGM, that it may be the diaphragm action than relaxes the body and reduces pain.

(I would welcome you doctors out there to comment on this subject.)

So the same benefits that expectant moms may get by laughing during labor and delivery, we singers may be able to receive by correct singing, or...using our vocal muscle, the DIAPHRAGM!

And what benefit is that?

Reduced stress while performing, joy in the moment, conquering the distractions of the inner critic, and delivering an awesome performance!

Think about THAT possibility, singers!