Bhramari Mudra is a kind of breath control or pranayama in Yoga. Bhramara refers to a bee. It is a variety of breath control in which the humming sound of a bee is produced during inhaling and exhaling.
The description of this pranayama given in Hatha Yoga Pradipika (II. 68) is different from the one which is given in Gheranda Samhita (V.77-80).
Benefits of Bhramari Pranayama
Hearing and humming sound has a very soothing effect and calms the mind. It makes the mind peaceful and alert. When the mind merges with the sound vibrations, it conquers unwanted thoughts. It helps in achieving bliss.
Bhramari in Gheranda Samhita
In the Gheranda Samhita text it is recommended that one should press the ears with the hands and puraka (inhale) and recka (exhale) at the same time and hear the sound inside the ears.
Various sounds are heard in this way and hearing them helps the mind silent and steady.
Bhramari in Hatha Yoga Pradipika
A more prevalent procedure is described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, which says that one should produce the sound of a bee while doing puraka and rechaka. This sound is produced by the vibrations of the thin edge of the soft palate during the process of inhaling or exhaling.
The sound produced while inhaling is more difficult, less even, and of a high pitch. It is called the humming sound of the male been (bhringanada) in the text, while the sound during expiration is called the sound of a female bee (bhringinada). It is more even, more fluent and smooth.
During inhaling, the air is required to be sucked in which some force, while in exhaling the air flows out smoothly and evenly. Obviously, there is no sound during holding the breath.