Brahmari

Bhramari (Bee Breath) is a very effective pranayama (breathing exercise) for meditation. Performing this breathing exercise helps to induce a calming effect on the mind almost immediately. Practicing Bhramari pranayama benefits in reducing high blood pressure, fatigue, and mental stress. Also practicing this pranayama for ear, nose, mouth, and eye problems can have a positive effect.  Bhramari pranayama is also useful in curing paralysis and migraines. People of all ages can perform this breathing exercise including pregnant women. When performed during the period of pregnancy, it can help maintain and regulate the functioning of the endocrine system and provide trouble-free and easy child birth. Bhramari pranayama is usually performed after completing Anulom vilom to obtain its full potential.

To perform this pranayama you should sit in a relaxed pose such as the Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose) or Padmasana (Lotus Pose). Close your ears by keeping the tragus pressed with your thumbs. Keep your index fingers resting on your forehead, while using the 3 remaining fingers cover your eyes. Then, breathe in slowly and deeply through both your nostrils. While you breathe out through both the nostrils let your mouth remain closed while making the buzzing sound of a bee by using your throat. Breathing should be slow initially and then accelerated. While performing the bhramari breathing exercise abdominal movements should be kept to a minimum and inhalation and exhalation should be done from the lungs. The Bhramari pranayama should be initially done 10-12 times and then gradually increased to 25-30 repetitions. It should be performed continuously for at least 5 minutes and breaks should be taken in between. It is very important to avoid straining yourself while doing this breathing exercise.  While you are performing the bhramari pranayama, you should keep reciting “OM” and focus your mind on the Agnya chakra, which is located between the eyebrows.

Bhramari pranayama should be practiced with the intention of joining the cosmic consciousness with the individual consciousness. Your mind should be concentrated with the thought of divine bliss coming upon you and its wisdom filling your complete being. By concentrating your mind upon such thoughts while performing the Bhramari breath exercise you will be able to meditate with greater ease. You should perform this exercise 10 to 20 times a day without straining too much and taking enough of breaks. You can also practice this exercise before you go to sleep to give you a sound and peaceful sleep.

Ujjayi pranayama (Ocean Breath) is another useful pranayama you can practice for various benefits. Ujjayi pranayama is also called victorious breath, and this pranayama is practiced throughout the session of Ashtanga yoga. This breathing exercise generates heat that helps in eliminating the toxins from the mind and body. You can use the Ujjayi breath anytime during your yoga session as it ensures sufficient intake of oxygen to provide you with the energy you need for the workouts.

Brahmari means Bumble bee. In this breathing practice your lips are supposed to be shut, and you are supposed to gently and smoothly make a sound like a humming bee in your throat. This simple practice is very helpful in making the breath smooth and quieting the mind. You can feel the sound vibrations in your throat, jaws, and face. This practice is so simple and straightforward, it can be done by anyone, regardless of age or background.

It's a kind of breathing exercise that develops powers of concentration memory and confidence. The extended, buzzing exhalation makes it very beneficial for pregnant women, in preparation for labor. Brahmari is sometimes known as humming breath and also renders a sweet clear voice to the practitioner. Hence it is highly recommended for singers.

Techniques of Brahmari

It is best done for 2-3 minutes.

Brahmari pranayama techniques

• Partially close your glottis as you inhale through both nostrils, making a snoring sound
  
• Now exhale little by little, emitting a sound like a humming bee.
  
• Humming as you exhale allows you to spin out your breath and make a longer exhalation.
  
• Repeat the practice 5 - 10 times.

Best Time To Do Brahmari Pranayama

The best time to perform the bhramari pranayam is either in the morning or evening but always on an empty stomach.If you practice it in the morning it should be done after brushing and emptying out the bowels.If it is to be done in the evening, there should be a gap of at least 3-5 hours after lunch.

Benefits of Brahmari Pranayama

Pranayama cultivates a deep connection with the flow of life force (Prana) throughout your body. Further, Brahmari helps reduce stress and anxiety, expand joy and let you to relax both physically and mentally. Moreover, the inhalation clears and vibrates the throat. Other benefits of Brahmari include:

1. Invigorates the thyroid gland increasing metabolism
   
2. Balances hormonal secretion
   
3. Triggers serotonin release, resulting in balanced moods
   
4. Helps balance blood sugar
   
5. Helps oxidizes fats in the body
   
6. Very good for Alzheimer’s disease
   
7. Brahmari pranayama has helped cure migraine in the majority of sufferers.
   
8. Practices like Brahmari pranayama act on the brain and produce quick and lasting relaxation.
   
9. Brahmari pranayama is extremely beneficial to heart patients as it helps maintain  overall working of the cardiovascular system.
10. It helps in releasing heat from the body through perspiration and helps you feel rejuvenated.
11. It is also very beneficial in regulating blood circulation within the body and lowering blood pressure.
12. Bhramari breathing exercises should be performed regularly for controlling respiratory disorders, asthma and thyroid problems. People suffering from heart disease and diabetes can also benefit greatly from bhramari pranayam.
13. Bhramari breathing exercises can be performed during pregnancy to regulate the endocrine system and maintain a healthy pregnancy.
14. It is also said to facilitate easy child birth when practiced regularly through the pregnancy tenure.

Initially it is advisable to perform this pranayama under professional guidance before you start practicing on your own.