HARMONICA EXERCISE FOR LUNG PROGRAM (H.E.L.P.)
- This program utilizes the newly invented “medical harmonica" which is called a “diatonic chord harmonica."
- This new unique harmonica is made for John P Schaman M.D. by Seydel Harmonicas, the oldest harmonica factory in the world.
- In this program, the medical harmonica provides four times the number of chords as a standard ten hole harmonica allowing:
- Multiple note playing, which provides considerably more lung challenge than the usual harmonica single note playing.
- Chordal playing compared to melody playing, which requires more air.
- Much greater ease of playing compared to single note playing, especially for beginners.
- Considerably improved musicality and more pleasing lower pitched chords.
The purpose of this Program is to increase lung excursion in both inspiration and expiration, improve breathing muscle strength and document quality-of-life changes. As the only instrument that “makes music” with both blowing and drawing, there is a potential unique benefit to using the harmonica for lung exercise. The team spent many months, with the help of harmonica experts from around the world, devising an effective ‘harmonica method’, which essentially involved rhythmic chordal playing.
The present methods of H.E.L.P. differ from standard harmonica teaching methods in that we are trying to develop the best pulmonary-enhancing techniques and exercises, somewhat at the expense of musicality. The traditional harmonica teaching methods did not achieve the pulmonary effects that we thought were optimal for our patient population. We have reached the next chapter in this exciting adventure with the introduction of our new HarmonicaMD "Medical Harmonica" and our newly developed methods that will provide a better blending of the pulmonary challenges with the sought after musicality that this instrument brings to the table.
MainGoals
The present methods of H.E.L.P. differ from standard harmonica teaching methods in that we are trying to develop the best pulmonary-enhancing techniques and exercises, somewhat at the expense of musicality. The traditional harmonica teaching methods did not achieve the pulmonary effects that we thought were optimal for our patient population. We have reached the next chapter in this exciting adventure with the introduction of our new HarmonicaMD "Medical Harmonica" and our newly developed methods that will provide a better blending of the pulmonary challenges with the sought after musicality that this instrument brings to the table.
MainGoals
- Strengthen the muscles of respiration, including the diaphragm.
- Exercise the lungs above the "comfort zone" in the inspiratory range.
- Exercise the lungs below the "comfort zone" in the expiratory range.
- Potentially re-recruit any lung dormant areas that may have developed.