The Integral Breath Process™ was first developed as a way to help singers with breath control, phrasing and diaphragmatic support.
Since it's initial development it has evolved to be a practice that supports all vocal activity as well as an aid to physical, emotional and spiritual wholeness.
The breathing mechanism is made up of many different components which originate with impulses from the brain to take in life giving oxygen (inspiration) and release toxic waste as in carbon dioxide (expiration). It also serves as the primary carrier of sound production by passing through and vibrating the vocal cords. Think of someone playing the trumpet or any other type of horn which requires much air pressure between the lungs and the mouth as it presses against a tiny aperture or opening in the horn's mouthpiece. This air pressure applied at various degrees of intensity will assist in determining the pitch and quality of the sound being produced. Now imagine that same air pressure being applied to your vocal cords at the top of your larynx. When the pressure is applied to the vocal cords without the support of the diaphragm, muscles are used that are not meant for this activity and will cause vocal strain, noisy breathing, exhaustion, a weak or forced sound and often times vocal nodes or polyps which takes a large investment in time and energy to reverse. In severe cases, surgery may be the only option for removal.
Breath is a primary component to high quality sound production of the voice. It is also a key element in being able to control pitch, dynamics, phrasing, endurance, resonance and sustained tones.
The primary muscle responsible for the ability to breathe is the diaphragm, a muscle located in between the ribs, just under the lungs and above the abdominal muscles. In order for the lungs to fill to capacity the diaphragm must be able to move freely and expand to capacity. An important component of being able to control the breath on expiration while vocalizing is the ability of the diaphragm to relax very slowly while resisting gravity. This is similar to any other muscular strengthening exercise utilizing gravity resistance upon release. A well toned diaphragm, one that has been exercised and conditioned will develop effortlessly with continued practice of the Integral Breath Process™!
The Integral
Breath Process™ is easy to learn and will provide results that can
be felt and utilized immediately after the 1st time it is practiced! There
are many ways to learn depending on your individual interest. These include:
A few individual sessions with Miriam, a Breathing Lessons workshop, or
Foundations for Effortless Singing class. A practice CD is included.
