Finding Calm With The Humming Bee Breath Technique | Benefits, How-to, And More

Last Update on November 21, 2023 : Published on November 21, 2023

Our lives are too busy with little time to find moments of peace and calm. Amid the chaos that we endearingly call life, there comes a simple yet powerful technique that promises to bring a sense of relaxation and calm, naturally — the Humming Bee Breath technique. I often feel overwhelmed these days, and when I feel that way, taking deep breaths seems like a daunting task.

So, I gave the Humming Bee Breath a try, and let me tell you, it’s one of the best ways to calm your heart and soothe your mind amid overwhelming emotions. Originating from yogic practices, this breathing technique offers tons of amazing benefits that go beyond the mind.

Are you ready to explore the benefits of humming bee breath with me? Keep reading to learn the origins of this breathing technique, how it can benefit your health, and how you can practice this simple yet effective relaxation technique to calm your mind.

What is the Humming Bee Breath Technique?

The Humming Bee Breath technique, also known as Bhramari Pranayama, is a yogic breathing exercise that involves making a humming sound — almost like “Om” — on your exhalation. Bhramari comes from the Sanskrit word for bee and mimics the gentle hum that these little creatures create.

You can date this breathing technique back to ancient Indian yoga and meditation practices. The sound that you create during this practice can help you regulate your breathing and the nervous system, creating a sense of calm. How? Well, it’s simple.

When you inhale, your heart rate increases, and the sympathetic nervous system aka the flight-fight response is activated. When you exhale, your heart rate naturally decreases, and the parasympathetic nervous system aka the rest and digest response is activated. If you’re looking for calm amid chaos, you want to activate the parasympathetic response, that is why humming bee breath focuses on exhalation to induce calm.

Moreover, the Bhramari Pranayama Bee Breath technique urges you to make an audible buzzing sound, which can stimulate the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is very closely related to the parasympathetic response, so when you stimulate the vagus nerve, you can initiate the relaxation response in your body.

The Benefits of Humming Bee Breath

Now that you know how this humming bee breath works, let’s take a look at the amazing benefits of practicing this humming bee breathing technique;

  • It Helps Reduce Stress

The gentle humming vibrations you make can activate the parasympathetic nervous response, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. This breathing technique can be the equivalent of giving your mind a calming massage.

  • It Helps Improve Focus

By calming your mind, the humming bee breath can help improve your concentration and focus. It is a relaxation exercise that can help clear your mind and provide you with the clarity to reach your thoughts and understand your emotions.

  • It Helps in Better Sleep

Practicing this breathing technique before bed can also help you improve your sleep quality. The calming effects of this breathing technique can quiet the mind, making it easier for you to drift into a peaceful and restful slumber.

  • It Helps Relieve Physical Aches

I’m talking about physical aches and pains, such as sinus congestion and migraine headaches. Yes, practicing the humming bee breath technique can help with congestion and headaches. When you make the buzzing sound, you produce vibrations that can be a natural way to address these common aches.

  • It Helps Improve Vocal Quality

Regularly humming can help improve your vocal quality too. The controlled exhalation and humming you get in this exercise can be an exercise for your vocal cords too, making your voice clear and more resonant.

  • It Helps with Meditation and Mindfulness

The Humming Bee Breath can also become an aid when it comes to meditation and mindfulness. It can act as a bridge between the external environment and your inner stillness. If you often find your mind wandering when you’re trying to meditate, then this humming technique can keep you anchored to the present moment.

benefits of humming

How to Practice Humming Bee Breath?

So, we now know the benefits of humming, but how to practice this technique? Here are some instructions for you on how to practice the Humming Bee Breath exercise;

1. Find a Comfortable Spot: Sit in a comfortable and quiet spot with your spine straight. You can use a cushion for support if needed.

2. Close your Eyes: Make sure that when you’re practicing the humming bee breath, your eyes are closed and your focus is turned inward.

3. Take a Deep Breath: Inhale through your nose deeply and fill your lungs as much as you can. Deep breaths are important before you begin humming on exhalation.

4. Exhale with a Hum: As you exhale your breath, press your lips together and create a humming sound, like “Om”. Feel the vibrations in your head and chest.

5. Repeat the Steps: Continue these steps for at least 5–10 breaths. You can increase the duration of your breaths gradually as you become more comfortable with the exercise.

Things to Keep in Mind…

Before you begin practicing the Humming Bee Breath, here are some things you need to keep in mind;

  • If you experience discomfort or dizziness, stop the practice and return to normal breathing
  • Avoid practicing the Humming Bee breath if you have a severe ear infection
  • Consult a professional if you have any medical concerns or conditions before starting this practice
  • Take a break and take deep breaths before moving to the next round of humming. If you feel exhausted while practicing, then rest
  • Avoid practicing the humming bee breath technique if you’re pregnant or are a new mother

In the gentle hum of the bee, you can discover a strong tool that can enhance your well-being — physical, mental, and spiritual. The humming Bee Breath technique offers you a path toward serenity and a pause button for the chaos in life.

So, find yourself a quiet and comfortable corner, relax, and let the soothing hum of this exercise lead you to a calmer and more centered self — body, mind, and soul.

I hope this blog will help you understand the benefits of humming and how you can practice the Humming Bee Breath technique for a calmer mind and soul. Let me know your thoughts about this relaxation practice in the comments box below.

Take Care!

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About The Author

Suramya Kaushal
Suramya Kaushal

Suramya Kaushal is a Psychologist and a certified REBT & Solution Based counselling practitioner. She Has Masters in Clinical Psychology. She has been providing counselling for Anxiety, Stress management, family and relationship counselling.

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