Bhramari Pranayama (The Humming Bee Breathwork)

Bhramari is a calming breathing practice that helps us to connect with our inner nature by soothing the nervous system. Like a gentle humming of a bee produces a humming sound, a similar sound is produced while exhaling at the back of the throat.

Clinical evidence shows that bhramari benefits include:

• Reducing stress.
• The influence of the vibrational sound on different parts of the brain initiates a calm state of mind and eliminates anxiety.
• Regulating the heart rate.
• Increases energy levels, and alleviates mental and physical fatigue.
• Promoting sound sleep.
• Enhancing cognitive function, focus and awareness which allows the mind to become present.
• Reducing irritability and preventing the risk of depression.
• Stimulation of the hypothalamus, the pineal (promoting the secretion of melatonin which is responsible for the tranquillizing effects of the practice) and the pituitary glands.

Clinical studies show the practice of bhramari provided multiple benefits to surgical patients including

• Shortening healing time,
• Lowering the risk of infection,
• Reducing the requirement of anaesthetic
• Finally reducing post-operative problems overall.

How to practice:

Sit in a cross-legged position, with an erect spine. Inhale through both nostrils and exhale slowly through both nostrils, making the humming sound, with the hands and fingers position suggested in the image.

In the end inhale through both nostrils, retain the breath as long as you can do it comfortably and then exhale slowly through both nostrils. This holding of the breath promotes joy written in traditional yogic scriptures. Initially, the heat of the body is increased as the circulation of blood increases. In the end, the body heat is decreased from perspiration.

Bhramari should not be practised in a supine position (lying down) or by individuals with extremely high blood pressure, chest pain, epilepsy, or an active ear infection. Furthermore, it should be avoided by pregnant or menstruating women.

Published By Ananda Clinic Limited. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Written by: Anirudh Gomber (BNatMed)