Bhramari Pranayama: Technique And Science
Pranayama is the heart of yoga, and has gained much popularity nowadays as people are getting more aware. Pranayama is comprised of two terms, Prana, and Yama. Where Prana means life force and Yama means control. Therefore, Pranayama is the control of life force, through breathing techniques. Out of all the Pranayama, the most common one is Bhramari Pranayama, also called the Humming Pranayama. In this article, we are going to explore this Pranayama, its benefits, and a video tutorial.
How It Is Done
Bhramari Pranayama can be done anywhere, preferably on an empty stomach. For doing this, the following steps are followed:
- Sit on the floor with straight spine, and close your eyes.
- Close your ears with your thump, and place two fingers on your eyes, and the other two just below the eyes.
- Take a few deep inhales and exhales
- Now inhale deeply, and exhale though nostrils, while making a loud humming sound.
- Repeat for at least 15 times.
Benefits
Bhramari Pranayama, has proven benefits for mind, and body. Some of them are:
- Calming Effect: It has an overall calming effect on a person because of the vibration that it generates
- Helps With Depression: It may help with psychological problems like depression, stress, anxiety and so on.
- Improved Sleep: Because of the calming effects, regular practitioners report improved sleep quality.
- Lowers Blood Pressure: It may help with lowering the blood pressure, and create a pleasant inner chemistry.
- Enhance vocal Quality; It also helps with enhancing vocal quality, which proves big for singers.
- Inner Balance: It balances the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, and creates a calming effect.
So this was everything about Bhramari Pranayama, now let us understand Pranayama as a science. (Read: Science Of Mahashivratri)
The Thinking Breathing Game
Do you know that our thinking changes how we breathe? Yes, stress makes our breathing shallow, and reduces our body’s oxygen levels. This is one reason that why we feel tired, and yawn often. Because, to make up for the low oxygen levels, yawning is the body’s response to get some oxygen flowing.
That is why, we do not yawn in deep sleep, because we lose ourselves in sleep. This in result makes our breathing slow in rhythmic. (Read: Prayer And Miracles)
The Oxygen Factor
Not just Bhramari Pranayama, but all Pranayamas increase our oxygen, or Pran levels. This creates a positive environment within us, with the increased life energy levels. As we all know, that an acidic body is said to be an invitation for diseases. However, a well oxygenated body is said to have a high alkaline level, which destroys the acidic environment. This obviously, helps to us to promote better health, and overall wellbeing.
Conclusion
Let us conclude this article on the note, that it is not just Bhramari Pranayama, but all Pranayamas, that are helpful to us. Pranayama should not be an exercise, but a way of life for us. Post our breath-work, we should try to maintain that calm and serene state.
We hope that your liked our article, and that your question has been answered. Thank you for reading.
FAQs
Bhramari Pranayama, also known as Humming Bee Breath, offers a range of benefits for both the mind and body. Some of the key benefits include:
Calming Effect: The vibrations produced during Bhramari Pranayama have a soothing effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Mood Enhancement: Regular practice of Bhramari Pranayama can help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders.
Improved Sleep: The calming nature of this practice can help improve the quality of sleep.
Blood Pressure Regulation: Bhramari Pranayama may help lower blood pressure and promote a sense of inner balance.
Enhanced Vocal Quality: This practice can improve the tone and quality of your voice, which is beneficial for singers and speakers.
Balanced Nervous System: Bhramari Pranayama helps balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, promoting overall well-being.
Find a comfortable seated position with your spine erect and shoulders relaxed.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to relax.
Place your thumbs on your ears, index fingers above your eyebrows, and the rest of your fingers gently over your eyes.
Inhale deeply through your nose.
Exhale slowly, making a gentle humming sound like a bee.
Repeat this process for at least 5-10 breaths, focusing on the sound and vibrations.
While Bhramari Pranayama is generally safe for most people, there are some individuals who should avoid or modify the practice. These include:
People with severe ear infections or disorders
Those who have undergone recent ear surgery
Individuals with uncontrolled hypertension
Pregnant women, especially in the later stages of pregnancy
It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new breathing or meditation practice, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
Sit comfortably with your spine erect and shoulders relaxed.
Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose.
As you exhale, make a humming sound like a bee, keeping your mouth closed.
Repeat this process for several breaths, focusing on the sound and vibrations in your head.
You can also place your fingers on your ears to enhance the humming sound and vibrations.
Practice Bhramari Pranayama regularly to experience its full benefits for your mind and body.
