Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath) -Steps and Benefits

What is Bhramari Pranayama?

The Bhramari Pranayama derives its name from the word “bhramar” which in the Indian language means bee. The main action of the Bhramari Pranayama is a sound that is similar to the bee humming and that’s the reason behind this name. This is a good form of yoga and meditation which is great for calming down the mind. This pranayama has so much benefit in reducing stress, anxiety, pressure, etc. This meditation will help one also relax and is very good for the ear, nose, eyes. The vital signs of fatigue, mental stress, etc can be cured with the use of this yoga in particular. The Bhramari Pranayama relaxes the soul in general and rapidly and makes one feel light once this is done. The best part of this yoga or pranayama is that it is so simple to perform and can be done at any time and any place. This works as an instant stress buster.

The Bhramari Pranayama requires one to make a sound through the throat keeping the lips shut. The practice of this pranayama makes breathing smooth and reduces any sort of breathing disorder. This pranayama can be felt in the entire face area when one performs yoga. Also, this yoga can be performed by anyone and also of any group. The pranayama helps in the brain nerves and cells and thus this is believed to be best for stress relief. But the pranayama can be a treatment to some extent only. So let’s dig into more of Bhramari Pranayama and know a few other interesting facts about the pranayama.

Steps of Bhramari Pranayama (Bee breath)

The steps to perform bhramari pranayama are as follows:-

• To do the Bhramari Pranayama one first and foremost needs to sit in the Padmasana in a very relaxed posture. The room must be highly ventilated and clean. This gives a good vibe.

• Next, close your eyes and take deep breaths. This must be done a few times to relax the body.

• Now, one has to place the index finger absolutely above the eyebrows and the rest of the fingers must be on the eyes with the middle on the eyeball. The eyes here are completely shut and are in a relaxed position.

• Very gently the next step is to pressurize on the nose.

• From here one can start the journey or the pranayama. At this point, as you start with the bhramari pranayama you need to focus on the middle of both eyebrows. This focusing is slightly tough at the beginning but one shall be accustomed as one proceeds with the pranayama.

• Keep the lips closed. Here one need not tighten the lips solidly but you just can keep it closed.

• Next, keep on breathing slowly with the nose and there should not be any change in the breathing from the normal day’s breathing.

• Thus as you keep on breathing slowly you need to make a humming sound just like the bee does.

• The humming sound should have the pronunciation of “om” and should have a vibration effect in the inner portion of the face, eyes, nose.

• This can be done for about 3 to 5 minutes. The continuous humming should be there with the inhaling and exhaling of air through the nose.

• As you slowly open the eyes, rib your hands and place them on both eyes.

• Next rest for some time and again begin with the Bhramari Pranayama

• Thus these are the steps to perform the Bhramari Pranayama. These steps are pretty simple to perform and can be done at any place or any time of the day.

Benefits of Bhramari Pranayama

Any sort of breathing exercise and Pranayam has its benefits and this is no less. The Bhramari Pranayama also has its benefits. Practicing this regularly keeps one so much more healthy and this also has a positive effect on life. This gives an extremely fresh start to the day. The Bhramari Pranayama also fills one with energy which is all positive. Thus let us see a few more benefits of the Bhramari Pranayama and how it can make one’s life better.

• One of the best ways to achieve concentration and focus. Students can try this because it can be really helpful for them.

• It works as a calming agent for the agitated mind. This instantly reduces anger, tension, anxiety and works best for someone who is suffering from hypertension. This will instantly reduce the headache that one might have.

• It makes one feel light as it reduces any sort of blockages of the mind. It makes the mind fresh with the vibration that is caused because of the humming sound.

• Gives relief if anyone is feeling hot and suffocated.

• Gives relief from severe headache.

• Helps in treating hypertension.

• Helps in treating stress.

• Helps in improving concentration.

• Helps in improving memory and the power to remember. Thus one of the most practiced pranayama for students.

• It helps in curing blood pressure and related issues. Very much beneficial for someone having high blood pressure.

• Helps in improving heart-related disorders. The Bhramari Pranayama can be practiced if you have a heart problem, breathing problem.

• This is one of the best exercises or yoga for curing paralysis. A person who is paralyzed or is suffering from similar problems then practicing daily will highly benefit from it.

• Migraine is something that can be painful for a person. Doing Bhramari Pranayama will generally reduce migraines and the pain caused by them.

• There is no restriction in doing this pranayama and everyone including pregnant women can perform this pranayama.

• Helps in preparing the mind for meditation.

• During pregnancy, the Bhramari Pranayama helps in generating the Endocrine system which helps in childbirth and reduces risks as well.

• If you want to awaken your kundalini then this Pranayama is something that will help you through. Best pranayama for awakening it and through regular practice, good results can be obtained.

• The best treatment for Alzheimer’s.

Precautions of Bee Breathing

Every physical exercise requires a certain level of precautions and so does the Bhramari Pranayama as well. There is no risk involved in this form of Pranayama but there are certain things that one must keep in mind while doing this pranayama. The precautions that one must take while performing Bhramari Pranayama are as follows:-

• One must always finish the Anulom vilom Pranayama first and then move to the Bhramari Pranayama. This will help one in performing the pranayama as well as one shall have the best practice.

• To get the perfect result to ensure that while you are doing the pranayam you have put the fingers on the cartilage and not inside your ears.

• Don’t be too hard on the cartilage. Being too hard on your cartilage can be harmful to the pranayama and for the person who is performing.

• Keep the lips shut while performing this pranayama. The humming sound must come from inside.

• Gently open your eyes after the pranayama is done.

• The preferred time for doing the pranayama is an early morning empty stomach. If you are doing it in the evening or any other time of the day then there have to be several minutes between the performance of the Pranayama and the meal.

• Fingers must be Shanmukhi Mudra when you are performing the pranayama.

• Try to do all sorts of pranayama under someone expert in this field.

• Don’t try to force yourself while you may feel uneasy.

• Don’t put pressure on the facial area.

• Do a maximum of 5 times.

Bhramari Pranayama FAQs

Q. Will there be a high risk of it not being done under an expert?

Ans- it is advised not to perform the pranayama without an expert because any sort of problem can be resolved if it is performed under an expert. The person associated with the pranayama can help and teach the proper way to perform it which gives good and beneficial results.

Q. How many times can I do Bhramari Pranayama?

Ans- The Bhramari Pranayama should not be performed more than 4 times a day. Yes, doing this more than 4 times can be harmful to the body.

Q. For how long can I hold my breath?

Ans- One can hold the breath while doing Bhramari Pranayama for at least 3 minutes. If there is any difficulty one can release it before 3 minutes as well but a great 15 seconds is a must.

Q. Can I do this pose any time of the day?

Ans- Yes, this posture or yoga can be performed any time of the day at any moment but one has to be empty stomach. There has to be a great gap between the last meal and the Bhramari Pranayama practice.