Begin with the simple form
The Common Yoga Protocol gives a basic humming practice and a second form with the hands at the face. This page follows the first form. The Bihar teaching also identifies humming on the outgoing breath as the defining feature. The hands can remain at rest; this introduction does not add ear closure, pressure on the eyes, or breath retention.
Try the shape of the breath
Sit comfortably with the body supported and the jaw at ease. Take a comfortable breath in through the nose. With the lips gently together, let the outgoing breath carry a quiet humming sound. Let the sound finish without squeezing out the last air, and return to ordinary breathing. Continue only while comfortable; no timer or required number of rounds is attached to this page.
What the older text describes
Hatha Yoga Pradipika 2.68 uses the sounds of bees for both phases and describes a more vigorous inhalation. Its method should not be silently equated with this modern introduction. The shared name establishes a relationship between the teachings, while the details establish their differences. Stop if humming or breath control brings strain, breathlessness, dizziness, or anxiety, as in the general breathing guidance.
Sources and scope
Main edition
Passage for this reading
- Common Yoga Protocol (2026)
Bhramari Type 1 and Type 2, printed pp. 45–46.
Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. Printed-page coordinates are 15 lower than PDF-page numbers. Modern teaching protocol.
- YOGA, October 2020
“Bhramari pranayama,” printed pp. 49–50.
Bihar School of Yoga. “Importance of Breath Awareness,” pp. 36–38; “Bhramari,” pp. 49–50. Teaching statements are not adopted as medical claims.
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika, chapter 2
Sanskrit verse 2.68.
Svātmārāma; Sanskrit and Pancham Sinh’s 1914 translation. References on these pages use the Sanskrit numbering.
What this edition covers
A modern introductory adaptation with complete guidance and source comparisons.
Limits and differences
The prose above identifies material differences. Traditional explanations and promised attainments are attributed to their sources; they are not clinical evidence. Review date: September 11, 2026.