Research Study


About Iona I studied vocals for five consecutive years before I was able to fully comprehend the intricate workings of vocal production techniques, and use the title of ‘professional vocalist’. During these years of training, I experienced many life changes, health problems, relationship issues and a major trauma, all of which impacted my vocal health in different ways. I tried many different treatment methods including traditional medicine, acupuncture, psychotherapy, meditation, homeopathy and flower essences. In my experience, flower essence therapy was the fastest, most effective form of treatment for my vocal health issues. In 2006, I was given the opportunity to explore this healing modality further, after receiving a scholarship from Thames Valley University (London) I attained a Masters degree with Distinction in Performance and Media Health.


Research Project on


Flower Essences and Vocal Performance and Health


Aim People use flower essences for a number of different emotional, mental and physical issues, for example; childhood traumas, emotional imbalance, energy levels, fear, life changes, mental clarity, self-esteem, motivation, shock, trauma, stress and thought patterns. It would be fair to say that most singers suffer from 6


Iona Leigh


at least one of the symptoms at some time during their student or professional career. In addition, a common cold or minor physical tension or injury can have a major impact on a vocal performance, which is why the general health of a singer is key to maintaining a high technical standard and successful career. Another reason why there is a specific the need for a study to investigate an alternative form of treatment for vocalists is because, once a vocalist has any form of swelling in the larynx, he/she becomes unable to sustain the high level of professional vocal technique required.


Laryngeal swelling, among various other vocal health problems, can be caused by stress, unhealthy vocal technique, medications, and for women, during the time of their menstrual cycle. Dr. Garfield Davies (1999), a leading laryngeal specialist, explains that a vocal haemorrhage (among other vocal problems) can take place after a singer has been taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory substances like allergy or pain killing tablets. Therefore, this investigation will analyse the specific benefits that flower essences can bring to vocal health and technique during practice, rehearsal and performance. Although there are a range of


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