The word ‘bhramari’ refers to the humming sound made by a‘bhramara’ (a bumblebee in Sanskrit). The
Bhramari Pranayama consists in making a deep, soft humming bee-like sound while exhaling. Because
Bhramari Pranayama has a very calming effect on the nerves and the mind, it is usually practiced as a prelude to meditation. As a part of the pranayama routine, it should be practiced at the end of another pranayama
practices, generally after the alternate nostril breathing (naadi shuddhi), prior to getting ready for meditation.
How to perform bhramri pranayama
Step-by-step:
1. Sit in any comfortable, cross-legged meditation posture with the spine upright, arms and shoulders relaxed.
2.Fix your mental focus at the third eye the spot between the eyebrows.
3.Take a deep inhalation
4.While exhaling, make a soft, humming sound. Try to keep the breathing deep and gentle so as to maximize the duration of exhalation without straining the breathing in any way.
5.Repeat the cycle of inhalation followed by the humming exhalation ten times.
6.At the end of the routine, you may continue with your silent meditation.
Benefits:
1.Bhramari causes the whole brain to vibrate. .The vibration of the cerebral cortex sends impulses to the hypothalamus that can control the pituitary gland- the master of all glands.
2.The hypothalamus also sends impulses to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
3.This helps tune the whole neuro-endocrinal system to function in a harmonious and synchronized way.
4.It calms the nervous system and brings in a mental state of calm and peace that is helpful in meditation.
5.It helps in conditions of mental tension, high blood pressure, anxiety and heart-related problems.
By constant practice of Bhramari, the yogi’s mind is absorbed in blissThe benefits of Bhramari for pregnant women based on research findings on several participants. The same advantages apply to all who practice this pranayama technique. Bhramari done for a few minutes daily can alleviate anxiety and tension. Vibration of the brain sends impulses to the reticular formation which eliminates stress and improves the mood, behavior and personality, so that the expectant mother may take care of her health and nutrition, leading to proper growth and development of the fetus. During labor, elimination of anxiety makes the mother
co-operative and less apprehensive, thus facilitating easy delivery. Contraindications:
Anyone who can breathe can practice Bhramari for significant benefits.