BHRAMARI PRANAYAMA
(Humming Bee Breath)
The original Sanskrit word for Bhramari is Bhramar, or humming bee. This pranayama involves creating a sound similar to the humming bee. It is an excellent breathing exercise that helps release agitation, frustration and anger, and is one of the best exercises for calming the mind. For best results Bhramari
Pranyama should be practiced after asana, Nadi Shodhana and dynamic forms of pranayama, and before Meditation or sleep. It is better to practice on an empty stomatch. The sound produced in bhramari is very soothing and thus the practice relieves mental tension and anxiety and helps reduce anger.
Technique 1:
Sit in any comfortable meditative posture, relax your body and sit in stable position. Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose, listening to the sound of the breath. Close your ear with the index and middle fingers by pressing the middle outer part of the ear into the ear hole. Once the ear are closed exhale, making a deep soft humming sound.
Concentrate on the sound the sound should be of low pitch. When exhalation is complete, lower the hands to the knees and breathe in slowly.
Continue to practice in same manner for 5- 10 rounds or as per your capacity. Keep eyes closed during this pranayam.
Technique 2:
Practice technique 1 with Shanmukhi Mudra
Shanmkhi Mudra: Close your eyes, raise bent arms to shoulder level and close the ears with thumbs, place the index finger lightly on your eyelids; the middle finger lightly on your nostrils; and the ring and small fingers above and below the lips, respectively.
Now exhale slowly through the nostrils by producing the sound of a humming bee (hmmmm) through larynx (sound box) while exhaling.
For best results Bhramari Pranyama should be practiced after asana, Nadi Shodhana and dynamic forms of pranayama, and before Meditation or sleep.
Benefits of Brahamanri Pranayama:
· Makes voice sweet and melodious and helps in clarity of speech and strengthen the vocal cords.
· Calms the body and relieves stress, tension, anger, and anxiety and cures hypertension and depression.
· Helps in controlling high blood pressure.
· Increase concentration
· Very helpful for pregnant women for easy and trouble free childbirth.
Precautions:
Bhramari pranayam should be done on an empty stomach. If you feel dizziness while practicing, stop the exercise and start normal breathing.
Disclaimer:
Please take note that the effects of BHRAMARI PRANAYAMA may vary from person to person. The above benefits are a guideline as it has been observed by many practitioners. The exercises mentioned herein are not meant to replace any medical advice, medication, therapy that you may be getting or may have been advised by your physician.
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