Nitric Oxide, Humming and Bhramari Pranayama

Abstract

Background: Nitric Oxide has been recently recognized as an extremely important molecule in biophysics that has a profound role in the regulation of various functions in the body. It is abundant and continuously replenished in the paranasal sinuses of the respiratory system in healthy adults. Studies have demonstrated that nasal Nitric Oxide levels in the airways increase multifold during humming compared to quiet nasal exhalation. Humming during exhalation is an integral part of Bhramari Pranayama. Objectives: This review is to understand how humming is associated with Nitric Oxide production, and evaluate the suitability of Bhramari Pranayama, and the classical version of Bhramari Pranayama, which has humming as its integral part, for the application of maintenance of the airway integrity. Method: We have searched relevant current scientific literature pertaining to Nitric Oxide, voice production especially humming. We also reviewed the classical yoga texts where Bhramari Pranayama is elaborated. We tried to correlate how Bhramari Pranayama may help to endogenously produce Nitric Oxide and thereby regulate various respiratory functions. We made special efforts to distinguish between general and classical versions of the practice of Bhramari Pranayama. Findings: Experimental evidence suggests that humming significantly influences Nitric Oxide production. Bhramari Pranayama which has humming as its integral part may therefore facilitate Nitric Oxide production endogenously, both during inhalation and exhalation, and thereby help in the regulation of respiratory processes. Novelty: Research to date, has been done on increased expression of Nitric Oxide during humming (during exhalation). The classical version of Bhramari Pranayama which also includes humming during inhalation also known as inhalation phonation, alternating with humming during exhalation seems to offer a wholesome solution for increased stimulation of Nitric Oxide as well as the optimal end use of the much sought-after molecule.