Brahmari Pranayama: How to do and amazing health benefits of this soothing yoga exercise

Brahmari pranayama is a breathing technique in yoga that involves making a humming sound while exhaling, similar to the buzzing of a bee. Practicing Brahmari pranayama is believed to help calm the mind and connect with universal consciousness, overcoming the distractions and disturbances of the outside world.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddha Akshar, founder of Akshar Yoga Centre, explains how to practice Brahmari Pranayama by following these steps –

• Sit comfortably: Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit. You can sit cross-legged on the floor or in a chair, keep your spine straight and shoulders relaxed.
• Rest: Close your eyes gently and take a few deep breaths to relax your body and mind.

Talking about how to form brahmari pranayama mudra, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar shared –

1. Place your little fingers on the corners of both sides of the nose.
2. Place the middle finger on the corners of the eyes, keeping the ring finger only for support. Place the index finger at the end of the eyebrows.
3. Use thumbs to close the ear flaps.
4. Inhale: Take a slow, deep breath in through your nostrils and fill your lungs completely.
5. Humming exhale: Close your lips and hum like a bee as you exhale. This sound should be resonating in your head, sweet and steady. Feel the vibrations in your head as you hum.
6. Duration: Repeat this process for 5-10 breaths, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice.

Benefits of Bhramari Pranayama:

Himalayan Siddha Akshar highlights the following health benefits of doing Brahmari Pranayama –

• Calms the mind: The humming sound produced during Brahmari Pranayama has a soothing effect on the mind, helping to reduce stress, anxiety and nervousness. It promotes a sense of relaxation and mental clarity.
• Stress Relief: The gentle vibrations produced by the humming sound massage the facial muscles, releasing stress and providing relief from headaches, sinusitis and migraines.
• Improves concentration: Regular practice of Brahmari Pranayama improves concentration and focus by calming the inner turmoil of the mind. It develops mindfulness and enhances cognitive function.
• Balances the emotions: The rhythmic breathing pattern of Brahmari Pranayama regulates the autonomic nervous system, promoting emotional balance and stability. It helps manage mood swings and emotional disturbances.
• Lowers blood pressure: The deep breathing involved in Brahmari Pranayama helps to lower blood pressure and induce a state of relaxation. It is beneficial for individuals with high blood pressure and cardiac problems.
• Improves the quality of sleep: Practicing Brahmari Pranayama before going to bed helps calm the mind and induces good sleep. It is especially useful for people suffering from insomnia or sleep disorders.
• Boosts Immunity: By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, Brahmari Pranayama strengthens the immune system, making the body more resilient to infections and diseases.
• Clears the nasal passage: The humming sound produced while exhaling helps clear the nasal passages and improve respiratory function. It is beneficial for individuals suffering from allergies, cold or sinus problems.
• Improves mood: Brahmari Pranayama stimulates the release of endorphins, also known as the “feel good hormones”, which improve mood and promote a feeling of well-being.

In conclusion, Brahmari Pranayama is a simple yet powerful technique that provides numerous physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits. By incorporating this practice into your daily routine, you can experience more peace, harmony and vitality in your life.