School of Yoga explains bhramarī (bhramar = bee) prāṇāyāma

Firstly, bhramarī-prāṇāyāma is a form of diaphragmatic breathing where the fingers are pressed against the sinuses, to open the septum and other energy channels or nādi.

Significantly, in bhramarī-prāṇāyāma, during inhalation and exhaling, the epiglottis is constricted to make a buzzing sound which sounds like simulated snoring and sounds like a bee.

What is the bhramarī-prāṇāyāma technique?

• First, sit comfortably in padmāsana, sukhāsana or vajrāsana. Also, keep back erect.
• Next, keep the mouth closed. Press the tongue to the roof of the mouth to close the circuit of prāṇa flow.
• Lastly, place hands in ṣaṇmukhi-mudra as explained below;

  

1. Forefinger – is placed just above eyebrows, covering the frontal sinus.
2. Middle finger – is placed at the corner of the eye, covering the ethmoid sinus. This increases efficiency of filteration of air going into the nasal cavity.
3. Ring finger – should be placed on side of the nose, next to the bridge, also called nasopharynx – this opens the nasal septum and passageways as also improves connectivity to the middle ear.
4. Little finger – is placed next to the nostril Maxillary Sinus, which is the largest in the face and keeps the nasal, throat and mouth/ teeth free from infection.
5. The 4 fingers press a muscle which runs along the length of the nose, called the levator labii muscle (translated from Latin, the “lifter of both the upper lip and of the wing of the nose”) which are important for expression of emotions.
6. Press the thumb on the cartilage covering the ear lightly.

• Now, inhale (do puraka). Remember, vibrate the epiglottis to make a buzzing sound when inhaling. This is also known as bhramar-dhwani or the buzzing sound as made by a bee.
• Importantly, try to maintain a steady and constant sound.
• Lastly, exhale (do rechaka). When exhaling, make the same vibration should as mentioned above. This is also known as bhramar-dhwani.
• Lastly, return to normal breathing. Relax. Repeat once or twice.

Bhramarī variation 1 –

Perform bhramarī without holding the fingers along the nose. Perform bhramar-dhwani (humming sound) on inhalation only.

Bhramarī variation 2 –

Include kumbhaka (holding) in the bhramarī process.

What are the benefits of bhramarī prāṇāyāma?

• Aids in the generation of mucous and lubrication of the air passages.
• Importantly, reduces sinusitis, migraines and other illnesses associated with the sinus.
• Additionally, strengthens the glottis, epiglottis, larynx and improves functioning of the thyroid/ parathyroid glands.
• Useful in controlling snoring and sleep apnea which are related to the glottis muscles losing strength.
• Finally, this prāṇāyāma strengthens the carotid artery,
• Lastly, practice of bhramarī improves concentration.

Hatha Yoga Pradeepika on bhramarī (Chapter 2, verse 68)

Bhramarī– Inhale forcefully, making a sound like the hum of a bee, exhale slowly making the same sound. This practice brings indescribable ecstasy to yogis.

Points to ponder on bhramarī.