Happy Halloween! This month my blog will focus on the breathing practice we have been doing in class, Bhramari –this means bee. Its called this because we make a sound that imitates the sound of a humming bee and has been known as ‘the king of all breathing practices’ and a personal favourite of mine.
When practicing this we use the thumbs to close off the ears to block out any external disturbances, making a humming sound for the full length of the outbreath. Make sure your jaw is relaxed and your head is straight.
Then turn your focus inward and listen intently to the sound in your head —feeling the vibration of the sound. Focus your awareness on this sound to the exclusion of all other sounds. This will take a bit of work and time so don’t worry if it doesnt happen straight away. After some days or weeks you should find that one sound is very distinct, becoming louder and louder.
Practice 6 to 9 rounds and when finished, keep listening intently inwardly. Gradually with practice, your sensitivity will increase.
This is a very simple yet powerful technique that will bring results with practice over time. The practice is often used in preparation for deep meditation but has many other benefits and can be practised at any time on its own.
Some benefits include:
Relieves stress and cerebral tension; calms the nervous system; quietens the mind; alleviates anger, anxiety and insomnia; strengthens and improves vocal cords; eliminates throat ailments; alleviates sinus congestion; reduces blood pressure; reduces tinnitus, ringing in the ears; helps with vertigo; raises mood, eliminates depression; beneficial for those suffering with SAD-and this time of year is prone to this as we have reduced sunlight and darker days.
Contraindications: Ear/Throat infections.
Give it a go and let me know how you get on!