Original text
भ्रामरी प्राणायाम
Description
Bhramari Pranayama is a classical yogic breathing practice in which a soft and steady humming sound is produced during exhalation. The word bhrāmarī is derived from bhramara, meaning a black bee, because the sound resembles the gentle humming of a bee.
The practice is described in influential Hatha Yoga texts, including the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Gheranda Samhita. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika associates it with a feeling of inner joy, while the Gheranda Samhita connects it with awareness of inner sound, known as nada.
Most beginner versions use natural inhalation followed by a slow humming exhalation. Breath retention is not required for beginners.
Purpose
To calm mental activity, lengthen the exhalation, develop awareness of internal vibration, support relaxation and prepare the mind for meditation.
Safety notes
Practise in a quiet and well ventilated place, preferably on an empty or light stomach. Allow approximately three to four hours after a heavy meal and about two hours after a light meal.
The humming should remain gentle and comfortable. A louder or lower pitched sound is not necessarily more beneficial. Do not compete with the duration or volume demonstrated by another practitioner.
Stop immediately if you experience dizziness, breathlessness, ear discomfort, headache, pressure in the head or unusual anxiety. Return to normal breathing and rest.
Do not insert the fingers into the ear canal or apply strong pressure to the tragus. Advanced forms involving breath retention, multiple sensory closures or prolonged night practice should be learned from an experienced teacher.
Bhramari Pranayama is a complementary yoga practice. It should not replace medical evaluation, prescribed medication or treatment for high blood pressure, tinnitus, anxiety, sinus problems or any other health condition.