A quirky habit, or a vocalization that holds the key to deep relaxation, enhanced focus, and altered states of consciousness… The Benefits of Humming.
Electroencephalography (EEG) measurements reveal distinct brainwave modulations (high-frequency Gamma Waves and enhanced Alpha brainwave activity) while simply humming. Creating a state of relaxed alertness, coupled with heightened cognitive processing… This is also observed in advanced Zen monks engaged in Zen meditation (Zazen) and Tibetan monks.
Historic traditions have used vocalizations and rhythmic sounds to induce trance… To facilitate healing and establish connections with spiritual realms. Suggesting a universal human capacity to modulate consciousness through sound.
Humming Bee Breath in Yoga (Bhramari Pranayama) increases: relaxed alertness, wakeful resting, light meditation and the lucid state of mind for inspiration, intuition and creativity.
Humming Bee Breath is a slow-paced pranayama involving a sustained humming during exhalation. This induces ‘parasympathetic dominance’, promoting a calming and relaxing effect.
Brainwave changes include increased Gamma activity and increased Alpha brainwaves, leading to experiences of ‘calm alertness’ and ‘blissful awareness’.
The Neurophysiological Benefits of Humming
A Sense of Calm
Humming, a simple way of influencing your consciousness… With physiological and neurological transformations. Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (Vagus Nerve Stimulation) and increased Nitric Oxide (NO) production.
Nitric Oxide Production
A significant increase in nasal nitric oxide (NO) levels is observed during humming compared to normal exhalation. One study reported a 15 times increase in nasal NO during humming.
Within the brain, Nitric Oxide functions as both a neurotransmitter and a neuromodulator… It plays a fundamental role in memory consolidation and synaptic plasticity.
This Nitric Oxide boost (from humming) provides a direct biochemical pathway through which humming enhances cognitive functions such as: memory, attention and information processing.
The Vagus Nerve
The act of vocal humming produces physical vibrations that ripple through the body and head… Humming stimulates the Vagus Nerve and Vagal Stimulation, influencing brain activity.
Humming’s direct stimulation of the Vagus Nerve creates a Parasympathetic Dominance lowering heart-rate and stress levels, reducing the ‘stress index’ more effectively than physical activity or sleep.
The Vagal Stimulation caused by humming extends far beyond simple calming effects… By influencing these neural systems, humming enhances higher-order cognitive functions.
The Phenomenological Effects of Humming
The simple act of humming creates an increased sense of body awareness, while also producing a space to mentally separate oneself from one’s own thoughts and emotions.
During meditation practices like Bhramari Pranayama, practitioners often talk of a deep sense of calm and relaxation… a profound tranquility replacing mental chatter and releasing physical tension.
The heightened awareness of internal vibrations in the head create an inward focus, helping to turn ones attention away from the external and deeper inside introspection.
Beyond the immediate relaxation, humming also leads to more shifts in perception, the feeling of altered time and expanded inner space… Enhanced mental clarity and focus… You may even feel subtle feelings of bliss or euphoria.
With connection to ‘mystical experiences’ and ’unity consciousness’ creating powerful experiences with spiritual dimensions.
Summary Benefits of Humming
Humming is more than just a sound, it’s a simple yet profound tool for your mind, body and spirit. Regularly incorporating humming into your day can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being.
Summary of What Humming Can Do for You:
- Regulate your emotions: Find your calm and bring your feelings into balance.
- Boost focus and attention: Sharpen your mental clarity and concentration.
- Enhance overall well-being: Feel better, more centered, and more at ease.
- Improve heart health: Regular humming may even offer benefits for your cardiovascular system.
- Reset your brain and body: Shift away from stress and into optimal states of flow. Humming acts like a ‘reset button’ for your nervous system, moving you out of ‘chronic hyperarousal’ and into a more balanced state.
Humming is Your Neural and Autonomic Reset Button. So enjoy the Benefits of Humming today 🙂