Bhramarī Prāṇāyāma
The humming bee breath, a low hum on the exhale that vibrates the head quiet; the traditional antidote to a loud mind.
How to practise
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Sit comfortably; let the eyes close and the jaw soften.
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Optionally cover the ears gently with the thumbs or palms (liśed bhramarī).
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Inhale softly through the nose.
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Exhale with a low, even hum; feel the skull buzz like a bee's drone.
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6–10 rounds, then sit in the silence the hum leaves behind.
Benefits
- Rapidly calms anxiety, anger and mental noise
- Gently vibrates and relaxes the face, jaw and skull
- Traditional support for insomnia when practised before bed
- Safe for nearly everyone, at any age
Contraindications & cautions
- Ear infection or acute ear pain, avoid humming
- Keep the mouth closed gently, the jaw unclenched
- If dizziness arises, return to ordinary breathing
If you are pregnant, or live with a cardiac, respiratory or mental-health condition, consult a qualified teacher and a physician before practising. Never strain the breath.
In the tradition
The Pradīpikā promises the yogi who fills the mind with the drone of the bee “yogic bliss”, hyperbole until you try it on a noisy evening. The hum gives the busy mind a single, bodily sensation to fold into, and the quiet after the last round is the practice’s real fruit.
Sources & further reading
- Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā , Svātmārāma (chapter 2, verse 68; the bee-sound practice leading to samādhi's bliss)
- Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha , Swami Satyananda Saraswati