Bhramari Pranayama – Humming Bee Breath – Steps & Benefits
{Bhramari Pranayama Benefits – Bhramari Pranayama Steps, Duration – Bhramari Pranayama Precautions – How To Do Bhramari Pranayama – भ्रामरी प्राणायाम}
Bhramari Pranayama has a tranquilizing effect on the mind and it instantly calms down the mind. As a result, this Pranayama frees the individual of agitation, anxiety and even helps to get rid of anger. Bhramari pranayama (Humming Bee breath) derives its name from the Sanskrit word Bhramar which means Black Bee. The practice is called Bhramari Pranayama as the sound that is produced by its practice, imitates that of a black bee. It is great for relieving stress. It harmonizes the mind and directs the awareness inward and as such should be done before Meditation. Bhramari Pranayama also helps in alleviating insomnia.
Bhramari Pranayama Science
The humming sound vibrations generated by this Pranayama awaken and stimulates the brain cells. Bhramari Pranayama is a part of Naad Yoga Practices. The regular practice of it allows the alpha waves to dominate the brain. Alpha waves are said to be dominant when one gets the ‘Aha’ or eureka moment. It has been observed that the brains of creative people get a burst of alpha activity before solving problems. These alpha waves neutralize Beta waves, the higher presence of which otherwise keep the mind agitated. Further practice of Bhramari results in Theta waves dominating the brain which result in higher concentration.
Bhramari Pranayama Steps & Duration
Spread a Yoga Mat and sit on it in any meditation asana with the hands resting on the knees in Jnan or Chin mudra.
Keep your eyes closed and relax the whole body.
Make sure that throughout the practice the lips should remain gently closed with the teeth slightly separated.
Raise the arms sideways, bend the elbows, bring the hands close to the ears and then gently insert the index fingers into the ears.
Take a deep breath in.
Exhale slowly in a controlled manner making a steady humming sound like that of a black bee.
The humming sound should be continuous and its duration should be equal to that of the exhalation.
This is one round.
Practice 5 rounds.
Preparatory Yoga Practice for Bhramari pranayama
To get the best results of Bhramari Pranayama, do Ujjayi breathing Practice before it. Ujjayi is very good for the throat and help in making the Bhramari soft and mellow.
Best Time To Do Bhramari Pranayama
Although Bhramari Pranayama can be practiced at any time to relieve stress, still the best time to practice it is the early morning as there are least of disturbances to interfere with internal perception. In such conditions, the practice of this Pranayama awakens psychic sensitivity.
Bhramari Pranayama Precautions
The practice of Bhramari Pranayama should not be done while lying down.
In case of severe ear infection also, do not practice this Pranayama.
Bhramari Pranayama Benefits
Bhramari relieves stress and as such helps in alleviating anger and anxiety.
It is great pranayama for people suffering from high blood pressure as it calms down the agitated mind.
Bhramari Pranayama increases the healing capacities of the body.
It improves the voice quality.
Bhramari induces a meditative state as the mind gets harmonized by it.
It helps mitigate a migraine.
Bhramari Pranayama is best for improving concentration and memory power.
It is great for people suffering from insomnia.
As the Bhramari Pranayama induces a meditative state, it should be done along with Nadi Shodhan Pranayama and Ujjayi Practice for best results in Meditation.