Singing as therapy

Gabi Niethammer, as appeared in Alpha1 Journal 1/2026.

Singing can improve quality of life, lung function, and respiratory muscles. It promotes deep abdominal breathing and lung ventilation. Furthermore, it strengthens the diaphragm and helps to inhale and exhale air more controllably.

Besides promoting health, singing together increases well-being and reduces social isolation. It can temporarily shift one's focus – away from the existing, troublesome illness and towards the joy of singing and the lightness that music often evokes.

When singing, the lungs are freed up; they expand more because one usually sings not in a stressful situation, but in a comfortable atmosphere.

Singing loosens mucus, so it's perfectly normal to cough occasionally while singing, as the vibrations and exhalation help to loosen accumulated mucus. The important thing is not to stop singing, but to take a short break and continue singing; this will help clear the mucus from your lungs more easily.

What's special about singing is that it's a safe, non-drug complementary therapy that helps you perceive your body more consciously and holistically:

• Singing changes breathing patterns and strengthens the respiratory muscles, because the diaphragm is trained for more efficient breathing through targeted exercises.
• Singing allows for improved breath control. During longer singing phrases, breathing becomes more prolonged, which helps to empty the lungs.
• Singing can help relax the auxiliary muscles in the neck and shoulder area.
• Singing lifts the mood, reduces anxiety and promotes social contacts, e.g. in (lung) choirs.

It is recommended to incorporate short singing rituals into daily life several times a week to create a consistent practice for expanding lung capacity. It is important not to overexert yourself and to take breaks as needed.

What's special about singing is that you only need one instrument – yourself – and you can practice anytime, easily, at home or with others. Whether in the car, in the kitchen, or in the shower – there are no limits to singing along to your favorite feel-good songs.

When choosing songs for singing and breathing training at home, the following aspects should be considered:

• The phrases in the songs should not be too long, so that there is enough time for pauses to allow the air to flow in.
• The vocal range of the song should largely correspond to your own vocal range to avoid unnecessary strain. However, it is important that the vocal cords are occasionally challenged with higher and lower notes while singing. This actively expands both chest and diaphragmatic breathing, thus balancing the high and low registers of the voice.
• The songs can also be sung using only vowels (La, Le, Lu, Da, De, Di, Do, Du, etc.).
• It's essential to open your mouth vertically by at least two finger widths when singing, as this requires less effort. A good example is small children who can cry for hours without becoming hoarse because they don't exert any force while crying. Ideally, you should sing with the same effort you use to speak – which is practically none!

Some inhalation sprays can slightly affect or numb the vocal cords. Therefore, it's recommended to wait a while after using the spray and then drink a sip of apple juice or bite into an apple before starting to sing. Apples have the same pH value as saliva, which is very good for the respiratory system. This is quite different from consuming dairy products before singing, as these tend to increase mucus production.

Enjoy this simple opportunity to do good for yourself and your body through singing – your lungs will thank you, and there is no right or wrong here.