Benefits of Bhramari Pranayama

The Rising Panjab Bureau

Pranayama is an ancient breathing technique which originated from yogic practices in India. Pranayama is the fourth of the eight limbs of yoga and is just as important as asana or the physical postures. The word pranayama comes from Sanskrit. Yoga has many different forms and styles. Pranayama is one of the eight limbs of yoga which deals with the correct breathing pattern. It regulates the vital forces of the body and helps in curing lung related disorders. There are various styles and forms of pranayama to achieve a good breathing pattern so that many disorders can be cured. We live in a fast-paced world and often find ourselves running short on time, as a result of which we may find ourselves running short on time because of which we find ourselves experiencing stress and anxiety. Yoga is the cure to all the problems as it serves as the perfect tool which allows us to effectively combat anxiety and calm the mind. 

Bhramari word is made from the Hindi word “Bhramar” which means Bumble Bee. In this pranayama, the humming sound is created which is why it is known as Bhramari.  Bhramari Pranayama is a breathing technique highly effective in meditation. This respiratory exercise helps to calm the mind rapidly. It is considered to be one of the best pranayama to release the mind from all kinds of frustration or anxiety and can help to get rid of anger as well. It can be practised to de-stress yourself as a part of your routine yoga before bed. Before you sleep, it is very important to calm your mind and Bhramari teaches you to keep your breath still so that you can steady your mind. Bhramari pranayama is a simple technique which can be practised almost anywhere and serves as a great stress buster. 

Bhramari pranayama offers a number of benefits such as it aids in the improvement of focus, memory and self-awareness. It helps to calm the mind, soothe the nerves and release cerebral tension. Bhramari pranayama stimulates the pineal and pituitary glands, supporting their proper functioning. Bhramari pranayama can prove to be very beneficial for lowering blood sugar levels. It improves the health of the throat by strengthening and improving the voice.

Bhramari pranayama should however not be practiced by pregnant or menstruating women. It is also not safe for patients with extremely high blood pressure, epilepsy, chest pain or an active ear infection. It should not be practiced in a lying down position. Bhramari is best practiced on an empty stomach. While it can be practiced at any time of the day, Bhramari is particularly effective in the early morning and late at night. If this pranayama is done on a regular basis, one can have a positive effect on the mind by getting rid of stress and fatigue. Research suggests that Bharmari pranayama along with Udgeeth pranayama improves pulmonary function. It is also quite useful in curing migraines and paralysis. It is also helpful for the people suffering from Alzheimer. It is known to induce gamma waves in the brain and feeling of happiness in the practitioner. 

People of all ages can easily and safely practice this pranayama provided it is done under proper guidance. Bhramari is a safe, easy-to-learn practice which has tremendous therapeutic potential.