Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Bhramari Pranayam

20 comments

Pranayama (Yogic breathing exercises) is the new mantra of fitness freaks these days. Gone are those days when people would exclaim with a bewildered look “Pranayam, what’s that?” The credit for popularizing these ancient yogic breathing techniques most certainly goes to Swami Ramdev, who is a household name in India these days.

Yogic postures (asanas) combined with correct breathing exercises like Pranayam is a complete exercise package. Let’s just take a look at one of the Pranayams, ‘The Bhramari Pranayam’. The name ‘Bhramari’ is so intriguing. What does it mean? While performing this pranayam, the humming sound of a ‘bumble bee’ is produced; hence the name. (‘ Bhramara’ means bee.)

Method:

Sit in a suitable yogic posture like Padmasana(lotus pose) or Vajrasana(thunderbolt pose). Cover your ears by pressing the thumbs of both your hands. Place your index fingers on the forehead and let the remaining 3 fingers close your eyes. Inhale through both the nostrils, taking - a real slow deep breath. Exhale through both nostrils and use the throat to make a soft sound, like the buzzing of a bee. Do this 5-10 times. Do not strain yourself, though. 2 minutes of Anuloma-viloma pranayam before performing bhramari will help you achieve a better concentration. A more detailed explanation about this is here. Watch the performance of this pranayama by Swami Ramdev here.

Benefits:

Besides having a profound effect on ears, nose, eyes and mouth, it enlivens your looks; improves the glamour of the face. Its benefits do not end here - it improves one’s concentration levels, relieves migraine pains, reduces stress and mental agitation, hypertension, and successfully combats and helps prevent many a disease. Practice of Bhramari is beneficial for pregnant women. Quoting from this article in Yoga magazine by Dr Vibha Singh,

Brahmari pranayama vibrates the whole brain. Vibration of the cerebral cortex sends impulses to the hypothalamus which has the capacity to control the pituitary gland- the master of all glands. In this way, brahmari done regularly for only a few minutes daily throughout pregnancy keeps the endocrinal system regulated to maintain the pregnancy successfully. The hypothalamus also sends impulses to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Thus, brahmari done during pregnancy and the first stage of labour tunes the whole neuro-endocrinal system to function in a harmonious and synchronised way, and may facilitate easy and trouble-free childbirth. More…

Anulom-vilom and Kapalabhati pranayams are immensely popular - research and studies have ascertained their tremendous health benefits. But this does not mean that you have to finish off your pranayam routine with just these two. Incorporate ‘Brahmari’ in your daily exercise routine and see for yourself its effects on not just your health but also on your beauty.

Caution: Practise ‘Brahmari pranayam’ under expert guidance.

See also: Sitali and Sitkari Pranayams

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20 comments:

Great-Face.com said...

Thanks so much for this. I'd heard so many claims about breathing properly doing wondrous things, so it's nice to know it's not an urban legend.

CindyPTN said...

With the easy instruction, I was able to test this out. Thanks. It does feel great. I'm finding that Yoga is more and more something I really want to incorporate into my life. I love being able to come to sites like yours. Thank you for all the great information. Also, thank you for participating in Fitness for Moms Carnival.

Anonymous said...

I recently came across your excellent website. I believe you are doing a great work .I am inspired by your writings.

Anonymous said...

Nice pranayama techniques explained in this blog.

Abhijit said...

Bhramri pranaayam is very good for the brain, also since its about chanting Aum it will also be very effective especially for controlling lower/ unwanted urges. It is also a very simple one. Yes,

Anand said...

Good advice. Keep on writing!

Sheela said...

This article is helpful

Shivakumar Guruji said...

You may feel little cold or tingling sensation in the throat due to sound but this is normal.
Under No circumstances the proportion of the breathing should be forced.
If you feel dizzy then please stop the practice and continue normal breathing.

Neminath said...

This pranayama is ideal for clearing the throat. It also helps to get a sweet clear voice

Ravishankar said...

Removes disease from the mind. Helps to enter into Samhadi (super conscious state)
Inhale deeply by both nostrils
Deeply exhale by both nostrils while make a humming sound, like a bee 3-5 times

Prerana said...

I will have to try this.

Vidya said...

Oh girl, this post is soooo helpful!

Anonymous said...

Bhramri pranaayam is very good for the brain, also since its about chanting Aum it will also be very effective especially for controlling lower/ unwanted urges. It is also a very simple one. Yes, anulom vilom is said to be good too for controlling and balancing emotions , urges etcWith practicing anu-lom-vilom pranayan & bhramari pranayam we can improve our meditation power which ultimately improves our concentration,memory & purifies our body & mind.Mental attitude becomes positive resulting in lesser sexual urge gradually
Left nostril represents MOON hence breathing with it cools body & right nostril represents SUN hence breathing with it gives hit to the body but sexual urge is not affected with that much.Sexual urge is the outcome of our thoughts in mind

Anju said...

Thanks for this excellent web-site. It has a lot of good info.I have been practicing pranayam every morning empty stomach per the standard rules.

Anonymous said...

yupp. this pranayama is damn effective. if you are stressed up then this will give you a new hope. will give you mental peace nd joy nd tata everything.

Srisharan said...

It is supposed to create a soothing effect on the nervous system and culturing the voice.
It is known to work in relieving stress, reducing anger, anxiety, lack of desire to sleep and blood pressure and eliminating throat ailments.
It induces a meditative state by harmonizing the mind and directing the awareness inwards.

Shivaswamy said...

During Bhramari Practice, chant "N-kara" and not "M-kara". Touch the tongue to upper (hard) palate.Initially the sound vibration is felt more at the throat region only.
With constant practice try to perceive the strong vibrations in the entire head region along with its resonating effect throughout the body.

unknown said...

"The Yogic breathing practice "Brahmari Breath" releases endorphins into our system. It's easy and fun to do and children love it if you happen to have one who doesn't sleep well. Sit comfortably and lengthen your spine. It may help to sit on a pillow or folded blanket. Place your fingers on the little protrusion at the edge of your ear that will close off your ear when you press on it.

Check to make sure your shoulders are relaxed, elbows down and your tongue is resting gently on the roof of your mouth -- upper and lower teeth can be slightly apart. Now close the flap of your ear, inhale deeply and exhale making a hum noise. Keep your ears closed so that you hear the hum inside your head -- this vibrates the pituitary gland to release the endorphins. Repeat for at least 3 breaths and try to make the exhale as long as possible each time. Ahhhh."

Bharat said...

There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points.

Shruti said...

By doing Bramari pranayam you can cure all diseases related to :

1. Ears
2. Nose
3. Throat
4. Eyes
5. Nervous system

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