BHARAMARI PRANAYAM

Bhramari Pranayama (Humming bee breath) 

Sit in a comfortable meditation asana. The spinal cord should be erect, the head straight and the hands resting on the knees in chin or jnana mudra. The ideal posture for this practice is padmasana or siddha siddha yoni asana. The position of nada sundhana asana, which is used in nada yoga, may also utilised as follows. Sit on a rolled blanket with the heels drawn up to the buttocks. Place the feet flat on the floor with the knees raised and the elbows resting on the knees. Close the eyes and relax the whole body for a short time. The lips should remain gently closed with the teeth slightly separated throughout the practice. This allows the sound vibration to be heard and felt more distinctly in the brain. Make sure the jaws are relaxed. 

Raise the arms sideways and bend the elbows, bringing the hands to the ears. Use the index or middle finger to plug the ears. The flaps of the ears may be pressed without inserting the fingers. If the position of nada sundhana has been assumed, plug the ears with the thumbs, resting the other four fingers on the head. Bring the awareness to the centre of the head, where ajna chakra is located, and keep the body absolutely still. Breathe in through the nose. Exhale slowly and in a controlled manner while making a deep, steady humming sound like that of the black bee. The humming 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. This is one round. At the end of exhalation, breathe in deeply and repeat the process. Perform 5 rounds. 

Awareness 

Physical - on the humming sound within the head and on making the breath steady and even. Spiritual - on ajna chakra. 

Duration 

5 to 10 rounds is sufficient in the beginning, then slowly increase to 10 to 15 minutes. In cases of extreme mental tension or anxiety, or when used to assist the healing process, practise for up to 30 minutes. 

Time of Practice 

The best time to practise is late at night or in the early morning as there are fewer external noises to interfere with internal perception. Pradtising at this time awakens psychic sensitivity. However, bhramari may be practised at any time to relieve mental tension, providing the surroundings are peaceful. 

Contra - indications 

Bhramari should not be performed while lying down. People suffering from severe ear infections should not practise this pranayama until the infection has cleared up. Those with heart disease must practise without breath retention. 

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