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The Science of Humming

Science of Happiness explores Humming Bee Breath, a technique to calm the nervous system.

On this episode of The Science of Happiness, Did you know humming can soothe your nervous system? Join us as marathon runner and activist Cal Calamia tries Bhramari Pranayama, a yogic humming breath technique, and we explore the research behind its stress-relieving power.

Summary: Cal Calamia, the first nonbinary winner of the San Francisco Marathon, explores Bhramari Pranayama, an ancient yogic breathing technique that uses humming to promote relaxation. Dr. Gunjan Trivedi later explains how this "humming bee breath" enhances heart rate variability and why it鈥檚 key to managing stress. Part of our ongoing series, Breathe Away Anxiety: https://tinyurl.com/4jyvkj4t

How To Do This Practice:
Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose for 3-4 seconds.
Exhale for 6-8 seconds, making a gentle humming sound (like a buzzing bee) as you breathe out.
Adjust the timing of your inhale and exhale to find a rhythm that feels comfortable for you.
Continue the practice for as long as feels right, focusing on the sound and sensation of your breath.
Note: This version of Bhramari Pranayama, practiced without specific hand gestures (mudras), was studied by Dr. Gunjan Trivedi.

Guest: Cal Calamia is an activist, teacher, poet, and the first nonbinary winner of the San Francisco marathon.
Learn more about Cal: https://tinyurl.com/25ft296x

Guest: Dr. Gunjan Trivedi is the cofounder of Society for Energy & Emotions at Wellness Space in Ahmedabad, India.
Read Dr. Trivedi's study about Bhramari Pranayama: https://tinyurl.com/2xnjk6ah

Related Science of Happiness episodes:
How Breathe Away Anxiety (Cyclic Sighing): https://tinyurl.com/4jyvkj4t
How To Tune Out The Noise: https://tinyurl.com/4hhekjuh

Related Happiness Break episodes:
Happiness Break: A Breathing Technique To Help You Relax (Cyclic Sighing): https://tinyurl.com/3dtwyk44

Release date:

Available now

22 minutes