Humming Bee Breathing

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Bhramari

Vegaadghosam purakam bhringanadam bhriginadam rechakam mandamandam,
Yogindrandameshvarambhyasyojacchitte jata kachidanandleela.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika – 2:67

Breathe in quickly, making a reverberating sound like the male black bee, and exhale slowly while softly making the sound of the female black bee. By this yogic practice, one becomes lord of the yogis and the mind is absorbed in bliss.

This pranayama is so named because the sound made during its practice imitates that of a black bee. Because of this sound, bhramari should be practiced in silence. Most suitable time is either early in the morning or late at night.

Techniques:

• Sit straight in a comfortable meditative posture
• Keep the spine, neck and head in straight line
• Softly close the eyes and relax the face
• Breath in and out from nose
• Follow the breath till it becomes natural and comfortable
• Raise arms and using index fingers close the ears
• Inhale deeply from the nose
• Exhale making a deep soft, low pitched humming sound from the nose
• Focus awareness on the sound
• Remember not to make sound when the exhalation is about to get over
• Breathe in a relaxed and comfortable manner
• Repeat the process ten times
• Keep ears and eyes closed for some time after ten rounds are complete
• Slowly lower the arms and gently open the eyes

Contraindications:

• Ear infection
• Lying down position

Benefits:

• Relieves anxiety, stress and anger
• Reduces blood pressure
• Enhances natural healing process of the body
• Improves quality of sleep