BHRAMARI PRANAYAMA – HUMMING BEE BREATHING

BHRAMARI PRANAYAMA – HUMMING BEE BREATH
Bhramari = Hindu Goddess of bees
The practice of this pranayama is called that of a humming bee because the sound of a bee is reproduced during the breathing to enhance inside focus and concentration.
As you get deeper into the sound and the internal focus, the vibration moves from the back of your mouth and throat to the back of the nose and up into the head and the calming effect on the mind is almost immediate.
 
BENEFITS
The humming bee sound, keeping the ears softly closed, resonates inside the head pushing further away any other  sound and drawing your attention inwards. The vibration of the humming sound bounces inside the head, fills every inch of space and relieves the mind and the nervous system, as it resonates from the back of the throat and nose all the way to the frontal lobe.
This pranayama relieves from stress, tension, anxiety, reduces cerebral tension therefore relieving from insomnia, anger. It improves the voice, it strengthens it and
 
TIME OF THE DAY
Bhramari Pranayama is best practiced when the outside noises are at their minimum level, in order to maximize the effect of the humming sound, therefore best times are late at night and early in the morning. At those times bhramari awakens the psychic sensitivity, but in order to relieve from stress and tension it can be practiced at any time of the day.
 
TECHNIQUE
Sitting cross legged in a quiet place, eyes closed, place your indexes on top of the flap of your ears. Inhale deeply and as you exhale, gently press the fingers on the flap, either continuously or in and out. At the same time start making a MMMM sound, just like a bee, maintaining your mouth closed.
 
DURATION OF PRACTICE
In the beginning bhramari can be practiced for 5 rounds, slowly increasing it to 10 rounds. Once the practice is smooth and comfortable, the bhramari can be carried on for up to 15 minutes.
In case of serious tension and anxiety it can be carried on for up to 30 minutes.
 
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Not to be practiced when having ear infections
 
HAPPY BEE BREATHING!
Alex, January 2016, TTC200hrs