Topical Hydration Part 1: Steaming

Topical Hydration:

Steam Inhalation: Steam inhalation instantly hydrates the vocal folds topically. When we drink water, it enters the blood stream via the small intestine and can take up to 4 hours to reach the vocal folds. Inhaling the steam is therefore a much quicker way to hydrate the folds.

I recommend steaming for 5-10 minutes at a time, twice a day (morning and evening) away from your practice time. After you steam, wait 15-20 minutes before speaking or singing to prevent any adverse effects from heat-induced blood flow to the folds.

WARNING: Wait 2-5 minutes after filling the steamer to avoid scalding yourself. If the steam feel quite hot on your throat, you must let it cool.

There is some evidence to suggest that the water droplets from steam are not small enough to penetrate the mucosal layer of the vocal folds. That said, steaming can have a relaxing effect on the vocal tract which has countless benefits.

To learn more about hydration, see the blog posts on Systemic Hydration and Part 2 of Topical Hydration.