Bee Breathing

Bee Breath, Bhramari Pranayama in Yoga, is a form of breathing involving humming during exhalation. It slows the heart rate due to lengthened exhalations and calms the brainwaves via harmonics thereby relaxing the body and mind. It also sonically conditions and clears the respiratory pathways and sinuses. The vibrations of the hum extend throughout the head and its resonating cavities, the paranasal sinuses and inner ears, which triggers increased production of nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide is a gas molecule that plays a crucial role in biophysics. It assists with defence against pathogenic infections. It improves the functioning of the respiratory system by decreasing swelling of the sinuses and relaxing the smooth muscle tissues of the bronchial tree resulting in better drainage and oxygen intake. It can provide relief in asthma. It catalyses vasodilation by expanding the blood vessels as it flows through the bloodstream which reduces risk of clots, lowers blood pressure, increases blood flow and modulates the passage of major neurotransmitters such as endorphins, noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine in the bloodstream. Nitric oxide positively affects mood, memory recall and retention and general behaviour by calming the nervous system and improving the quality of sleep. With greater blood flow to the cochleae and stimulated hair cells of the ears it improves hearing and assists with reducing senile degeneration such as with old age deafness. Nitric oxide production is abundant in youth and reduces with age. Chronic infections, fear and stress impinge on the production of nitric oxide. Exercise, a healthy heart, singing, humming, bee breathing and play increase nitric oxide production.

Bee breathing (Bhramari) is best performed in a calm, quiet setting in a comfortable position. With eyes closed, the index fingers are placed gently in the ears to block them. The inhalations are taken in deeply and the exhalations are accompanied with humming until the breath runs out. The focus should be taken inward to paranasal sinuses. A higher pitch sound, from the upper sinuses, assists with issues of the ears, brain and sinuses. A lower pitch sound, held in the throat, effects lower areas in the body. Try the exercise repeatedly in a day over a week. Start at a pitch that feels natural to you, humming 60-120 times at 4 different times of the day. See what unfolds within your body and mind. Bee breathing is well paired with a yoga asana practice.