Bhramari Pranayam

This type of Pranayam is named as Bhramari pranayam,

because of the typical hum that is produced during the process
of this Pranayam. Bhramar is the Sanskrit word for bee. When
group of bees fly together, it produces special hum. Same type
of sound is produced when Bhramari Pranayam is practiced.
This Pranayam should be done in the sitting posture.
Sidhasan, Padmasan, or Sukhasan can be convenient for this
Pranayam. One should sit comfortably on the asan keeping the
back straight. Eyes should be closed.
In Bhramari Pranayam there are two main components. These
are Purak and Rechak. One has to take a deep breath, and then
allow the air to come out slowly. When air is coming out
through the sound tract (vocal cords), it produces a special
sound. Purak is deep and quick. While Rechak is slow.
Bhramari Pranayam can also be performed along with recital of
Omkar Mantra.
Omkar is the Beej- mantra. As per the Vedic philosophy, omkar
is the symbol of God. Omkar-Japa (repetition of the same
mantra for several times) is considered as highly beneficial for
the Sadhaka. This Omkar Japa can be performed along with
the Bhramari Pranayam. The word Om is made up of three
alphabets. These are O, U, and M. When all the three are
spoken together it produces specific sound. The Omkar can be
pronounced in three different ways.
A] When O and M, both are equal in length. It can sound like
O.M.
B] When O is longer than M. it can sound like O.M.
C] When O is shorter and M is longer. It sounds like O...
M
O is a vowel and M is the consonant. But both can be
prolonged as per the wish of the speaker. When O is spoken in
prolonged tone, mouth remains open; M can be spoken with
closed lips. Both the words are vocalized when air is allowed to
pass through the vocal cords. Prolongation of the word depends
upon the ability to push the air outside for a

longer time period. A person who has the capacity to inhale more air,
and at the same time, who can very slowly release the same air
through the sound tract (vocal cord), can vocalize the word Om for a
longer period. As it is shown before, it can be done in three different
ways. The last method, where O is short, and M is long can be
suitable for Bhramari Pranayam.
In the beginning air should be inhaled to the maximum capacity. Then
Om should be vocalized, with short O and long M. This can be
prolonged as much as possible. At the end when no more air can be
pushed outside through vocal cords, it will not be possible to vocalize
M. At this point of time, air is inhaled either through nose or through
the mouth, Again Om should be repeated with a short O and a long
M. In this way the same process can be repeated for 12 to 15 times.
One should keep the eyes closed during the whole process. It is
advisable to maintain uniform pitch of the sound, while speaking
Omkar.
Immediately after the Pranayam one can move into a meditative state.