Pranayama: Can I buzz like a bee during Bhramari breath, instead of humming?

Bhramari pranayama is known as bee breath, or humming breath. This pranayama can have a calming effect on the parasympathetic nervous system as it invites us to move our attention inward and dissolve external distractions. It can aid in improving sleep, reducing stress and physical tension in the body and it can stimulate the thyroid.

In order to achieve these benefits we need to be sure that we are creating the appropriate vibrational sound during this pranayama. The vibrational humming sound is similar to chanting Om, especially the long mmmm. The sound should be deep, steady and smooth and focused in the head and throat.

The intention is a vibrating melody which resonates in the head, making a humming sound that vibrates the sinuses, throat and all the way up to the crown of the head. A buzzing sound has a different placement in the mouth and moves through the teeth. It creates a different vibrational sound and tone, so in essence it is not Bhramari breathing.