Hum for health

The vasodilator gas nitric oxide (NO) is produced by our arteries and in the paranasal sinuses. It is excreted continuously into the nasal airways. NO improves oxygen transport throughout the body and oxygen absorption in the lungs. It relaxes vascular smooth muscle and allows blood vessels to dilate. NO also has antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic and antibacterial qualities. Sufficient levels of NO are necessary for proper functioning of our circulatory, respiratory and immune systems. Humming greatly increases the levels of nitric oxide in the nose. Research had shown that NO increases 15-fold during humming compared with quiet exhalation.

Humming so far it has been shown to:

1. Increase nitric oxide production,
2. Alleviate chronic inflammation or infection of the nose and sinuses,
3. Promote limbic deactivation, taking the edge off our basic emotions (fear, pleasure, anger) and drives (hunger, sex, dominance, care of offspring),
4. Lead to parasympathetic (“rest-and-digest”) predominance, which manifests as reduction in heart rate and BP, improvement in cognition, reduction in irritability in tinnitus, favorable EEG changes and reduction in stress levels,
5. Improve pulmonary function in healthy individuals.

The yogic equivalent of humming is Bhramari Pranayama or Bee Breath. You can include it in your yoga practice at any time.

But this week let’s try humming a simple tune throughout the day.

HOW TO:

Pick any song that is consistent with your mood and hum it out loud to yourself at any point during the day. Do it any time you think of it. After a few minutes, notice how it makes your feel.