Bhramari – Bee Breath
Bhramari Pranayama, also known as the “bumble bee breath” is a breath exercise that creates a strong vibration in the back of the skull.
This vibration has a powerful meditative and calming effect on the mind. You might think of it as a humming that “drowns out” the chatter of the ego mind, and allows you to focus on the energy that pulses constantly within you.
When practiced before bed, it can help you to release the stress of the day. If you suffer from insomnia caused by stress and an overactive mind, such that you can’t stop thinking during meditation, then you may find that this breath is right for you!
How to;
To begin, sit in lotus or other comfortable sitting position, the spine should be long with the head straight.
· Close the eyes and relax the body, the lips should remain gently closed and the teeth slightly parted throughout the practice, allowing the sound to be heard and felt more distinctly in the brain.
· Make sure the jaws are relaxed.
· Raise the arms sideways and bend the elbows, bring the index finger to plug the ears, you may choose to close the earlobes and press them without inserting the fingers.
· By inserting the fingers though, this action alone helps stimulate the Vagus nerve and helps relax the nervous system.
· Bring awareness to the centre of the head, Ajna chakra and keep the body still.
· Breathe in through the nose, then exhale slowly and in a controlled manner whilst making a deep steady humming sound, like that of a bee.
· The sound should be smooth, even and continuous for the duration of the exhalation. The sound should be soft and mellow, making the front of the skull reverberate. You can count this as one round and continue for around 5 to 10 rounds to begin with, gradually over time bringing the duration up to 10, 15 or 20 minutes of continuous Brahmari breathing.
Contraindications
This will lower blood pressure, so do not practice if suffering from Low Blood pressure. Do not practice when suffering from ear infections. Practice ONLY in a sitting position.