Bhramari Pranayama

Bhramari Pranayama

     In Sanskrit, Bhramari means "humming black bee" and Pranayama means "control of the life force energy" or "breathing exercises." This practice is a Vishama Vritti Pranayama practice, meaning "unequal ratio breathing" where the exhale is lengthened and includes Antara Kumbhaka, meaning "internal breath retention." This practice is described in the Gheranda Samhita and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

    Bhramari is referring to an Indian bumble bee, therefore this practice is also referred to as the humming bee breath.  For best results, practice at night or early morning.

Practice

  • Keep the back straight, shoulders muscles relaxed and eyes closed.

  • Close the right ear with the index finger of the right hand and close the left ear with the index finger of the left hand.

  • Raise the elbows parallel to the shoulders.

  • Inhale deeply and hold the breath for as long as possible and without strain. 

  • Exhale slowly while making a buzzing sound that is like a flying Bumble Bee. 



Duration

  • Start with 3 - 5 minutes, gradually increasing the duration of the practice to at least 10 minutes.


  • Precautions with Bhramari Pranayama

  • Do not hold the breath if you have high blood pressure or any heart related issue.

  • Do not press the ear cartilage too hard while practicing.

  • Practice in morning on an empty stomach.

  • If practicing in evening, keep a large gap between practice and a meal.

  • Do not put the finger inside the ear instead, gently press the ear cartilage to close the ear canal.



  • Benefits of Bhramari Pranayama

  • Calms the mind.

  • Makes the voice pleasant and melodious.

  • Strengthens the vocal cords.

  • Cures diseases of the throat.

  • Increases Dharana meaning "concentration."

  • Reduces high blood pressure.

  • Relaxes the mind and lowers stress.

  • Activates Vishuddhi Chakra.



  • This practice is also referred to as

  • Bhramari Pranayam

  • Bumble bee breath

  • Bee breath

  • Humming breath

  • Hum breathing

  • Related Hatha Yoga Practices


    Neti Pot

    Shatkarma

       The six cleansing actions are intended to be the start of a Yoga practice in order to clean, strengthen, remove toxins and improve the flow of Prana through out the practitioner.

    Asana

    Asana

       Yoga poses help to elongate and strengthen the muscles of the body as well as to calm the mind for the deeper spiritual practices of Yoga.

    Pranayama

    Pranayama

       Breathing exercises are a great practice to remove carbon dioxide, increase lung capacity as well as being a good preparatory practice for the deepest spiritual practice of Yoga, Meditation.

    Bandha

    Bandha

       The four body locks that makes up this practice give the practitioner the ability to hold or lock Prana in certain locations of the body. These practices also allow the practitioner to release blockages that may be holding the practitioner back.

    Mudra

    Mudra

       The gestures in this practice include the whole body and are intended to awaken Prana, Chakras as well as Kundalini energy within the practitioner.

    Meditation

    Meditation

       Meditation is the highest spiritual practice of Yoga which is why this practice is the most difficult practice to preform, but with correct knowledge and dedication, can be the most profound practice of Yoga.

    © Copyright 2021 Karma Kriya Center - All Rights Reserved