Thank you, universe! I love the way the universe brings me the answers to my questions. I was thinking about how to support the recovery of respiratory related illnesses such a Covid with breathing exercises or pranayama.
In Ayurveda (a 5,000-year-old science of life), the Sanskrit word Prana is the energy that sustains life force. There are five types of Prana energy called Vayu’s. Pranayama is a breathing exercise that gives you access to prana energy, the very source of life.
Some of the benefits of Pranayama are:
- Calms the nervous system
- Provides vital oxygen to the organs
- Stronger Lungs
- Healthier Brain
- Relieves stress
- Creates a connection to present moment awareness
This week I ran across a pranayama technique that has been scientifically proven to support recovery and prevent the spread of respiratory related viruses. Although there are many pranayama techniques this one came to my attention this week as I was thinking of what I could offer a friend as he recovers from Covid. I offer the Bhramari Pranayama also known as honeybee breathing. This breathing exercise is a calming breath practice that soothes the nervous system and connects us with our true selves.
Some of the benefits of this technique are:
- Stimulates the pineal and pituitary glands, supporting their proper functioning
- Soothes the nerves
- Relieves stress and anxiety
- Dissipates anger
- Strengthens and improves the voice
- Supports the healing of bodily tissues
- Induces sound sleep
Bhramari supports Covid healing and prevention by increasing the level of Nitrous Oxide in the body. How’s that? Nitrous Oxide is super important to the optimal function of the body by relaxing the inner muscles of our blood vessels causing them to widen. Because it is a major factor in biological defenses at the cellular level and it instrumental in defense against viral, fungal, bacterial and various infections in the body. Nitrous Oxide is also instrumental in maintaining the optimal level of oxygen usage by the body.
The symptoms of Covid 19 are respiratory system related and lead to the viral pneumonia and multiple organ failures involving the kidneys, the liver and the heart and lungs. The humming that is involved in the Bhramari breathing increases the nitrous oxide in the body by 15 times more than regular breathing. Thiis slows and prevents the replication of the virus.
How do you do the Bhramari Pranayama? It is one of the simplest practices.
- Find yourself in a comfortable position (I close my eyes, but it is not required)
- Take a long deep breath (inhale)
- As you exhale create a humming sound (think the sound of the bumble bee)
- Continue this for at least six cycles, for as long as you like.
- Take a few moments to sit in silence and breathe normally after you’ve finished a Bhramari breathing cycle.
- That’s it! Easy right?
It is recommended that we include this Bhramari Pranayama technique as part of your morning and evening routine. You can also do one or two rounds during the day as the opportunity presents. It feels so good! I love the vibration in my body. However, if you are experiencing respiratory challenges you can choose to perform this exercise more often. Give your body the support it needs to heal and ward off viral infections. You have the power!
Namaste’
Deborah