The pranayama or breathing practice we're using in the current yoga series is called Bhramari Breathing. Also known as the "humming bee breath." Because this yoga series is focused on the Physiology of Stretching, what better way to stretch the breath than by practicing Bhramari breathing. It naturally lengthens the exhale, bringing about a parasympathetic response in the nervous system - it calms the mind. Closing off all the other senses and creating this vibration in the head and body is powerful! Which is why we go right into meditation afterward.

There are also some other great benefits to this humming breath. It increases immunity through nitric oxide and decreases the blood pressure. It can also cause an anti-inflammatory action in the arteries and improve blood flow to the organs in the body. The bee breath stimulates the sinuses and can reduce sinus infections and allergies and also aids in the destruction of viruses and parasitic organisms. Hurray for humming!