Yogic-Humming: No Longer Just a Hobby, It’s a Lifesaver
In the Yoga system, there are some excellent practices with the potential to restore health. ‘Humming’ is one such method the Sages have pioneered.
‘Hum’
is a low-buzzing sound produced by forcing air through the nose while keeping the mouth either ‘closed’ or ‘nearly closed.’ Bhramari pranayama and Om chanting are some exciting examples of Yogic-humming practices.
In a landmark study, Weitzberg & Lundberg found that humming caused nitric oxide (NO) to be released from the paranasal sinuses. Compared to quiet exhalation, NO levels rose considerably during humming (up to 15 times).
NO is often referred to as the miracle molecule. It stimulates the ‘cilia’ (tiny hair-like structures in the nose), which help establish contact with infectious agents. NO is also effective against various respiratory viruses like influenza-, rhino-, and coronaviruses.
In one case study, a patient got relief from a sinus infection (rhinosinusitis) after enthusiastic humming for 1 hour daily for four days. In another extensive research conducted on a similar group of patients, adding Bhramari pranayama to standard medical therapy achieved better results than medical therapy alone.
NO also has anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic (anti-clotting), bronchodilatory, and vasodilatory effects. As a therapeutic measure against coronavirus disease, these effects might confer some protection. When intranasal NO sprays are promoted for commercial use, why not just ‘hum’ regularly?
Deleterious habits like ‘smoking’ can also lower your respiratory NO levels, so it’s important to stick to a quality lifestyle.
We need to pay attention to safe, no-cost, and home-based strategies in our battle against COVID. Following a yogic routine will be transformative.
