Nasal breathing stimulates Nitric Oxide with many Health Benefits. Stopping mouth breathing while sleeping is very important.
Did you know that humming can increase nitric oxide 15 times – Brahmari Pranayama as an example.
Nitric Oxide dilates blood vessels, kill harmful bacteria , lowers blood pressure, concentrates and pacifies the mind, provides for a deep restful sleep and more. Tuning forks and the didgeridoo also seem to stimulate Nitic oxide.
How To Practice Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath)
- 1. Sit up straight in a quiet, well ventilated corner with your eyes closed. Keep a gentle smile on your face.
- 2. Place your index fingers on your ears. There is a cartilage between your cheek and ear. Place your index fingers on the cartilage.
- 3. Take a deep breath in and as you breathe out, gently press the cartilage. You can keep the cartilage pressed or press it in and out with your fingers, while making a loud humming sound like a bee.
- 4. You can also make a low-pitched sound but it is a good idea to make a high-pitched one for better results.
Breathe in again and continue the same pattern for 6-7 times.
Keep your eyes closed for some time. Observe the sensations in the body and the quietness within. You can also practice Bhramari pranayama lying on your back or lying on your right. While practicing the pranayama while lying down, just make the humming sound and do not worry about keeping your index finger on the ear. You can practice the Bee pranayama 3-4 times every day.
Benefits Of Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath)
- Instant way to relieve tension, anger and anxiety. It is a very effective breathing technique for people suffering from hypertension as it calms down the agitated mind.
- Gives relief if you’re feeling hot or have a slight headache
- Helps mitigate migraines
- Improves concentration and memory
- Builds confidence
- Helps in reducing blood pressure
Points To Note While Doing Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath)
- Ensure that you are not putting your finger inside the ear but on the cartilage.
- Don’t press the cartilage too hard. Gently press and release with the finger.
- While making the humming sound, keep your mouth closed.
- You can also keep your fingers in Shanmukhi mudra (hand position) while doing this pranayama. To sit in Shanmukhi mudra, gently place your thumbs on the ear cartilage, index fingers on the forehead just above the eyebrows, middle fingers on eyes, ring fingers on nostrils and the little fingers on corners of your lips.
Researching this i came across the Buteyko Method.
Buteyko is a healing modality developed by Ukrainian physician Dr. Konstantin Buteyko. It uses gentle breathing exercises to restore optimal breathing efficiency and oxygen delivery.
I took Buteyko classes in 2005 as a treatment for asthma. Within days I noticed fewer asthma symptoms. I needed less of the medication I required daily and within a few weeks was off medication completely. Also my snoring calmed down and my sleep improved.
Since 2005 I’ve noticed many improvements in my health. My ragweed allergies are gone, my nose is more open and clear, I no longer get a blocked ear (blocked auditory tube), my digestion has improved, I generally feel warmer and I have more energy.
I was grateful for and amazed at the improvements in my health. In 2006 I enrolled in the first Buteyko teacher training offered in Canada.
While Buteyko is known as an asthma, snoring/sleep apnea, and anxiety treatment it is effective for many other chronic health issues including, but not limited to, poor sleep/insomnia, sinusitis, allergies, chronic cough, COPD, eczema, panic attacks, CFS/ME, IBS.
More recently the breathing principles of Buteyko have been utilized by athletes including 3-time Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross.
In R.I. hospital’s program, tuning forks and didgeridoos help you heal
Humming greatly increases nasal nitric oxide.
Abstract
The paranasal sinuses are major producers of nitric oxide (NO). We hypothesized that oscillating airflow produced by humming would enhance sinus ventilation and thereby increase nasal NO levels. Ten healthy subjects took part in the study. Nasal NO was measured with a chemiluminescence technique during humming and quiet single-breath exhalations at a fixed flow rate. NO increased 15-fold during humming compared with quiet exhalation. In a two-compartment model of the nose and sinus, oscillating airflow caused a dramatic increase in gas exchange between the cavities. Obstruction of the sinus ostium is a central event in the pathogenesis of sinusitis. Nasal NO measurements during humming may be a useful noninvasive test of sinus NO production and ostial patency. In addition, any therapeutic effects of the improved sinus ventilation caused by humming should be investigated.
Mouth Tapping at Night for Deeper REM Sleep
