Humming Breath (Bhramari) is a long, low hum on every out-breath. Humming makes your out-breath longer and fills your nose and sinuses with vibration. One study found humming raised nasal nitric oxide about 15× compared with quiet breathing.
How do you do Humming Breath?
- Close your eyes. If you like, press your ear flaps gently with your thumbs.
- Breathe in through your nose.
- Hum "mmm" for the whole out-breath and feel the vibration.
The rhythm
In 4sOut 8s
The default rhythm is the gentlest standard one; the app also offers 4 · 10.
What does the research say?
Humming makes your out-breath longer and fills your nose and sinuses with vibration. One study found humming raised nasal nitric oxide about 15× compared with quiet breathing.
Evidence grade C · Early research: Small, uncontrolled or non-randomized studies, or mixed results. Grades describe evidence for feeling calmer, more alert or more focused, never a claim about treating a condition.
Sources
Who should take care with Humming Breath?
Before a session the app shows a short caution when it applies:
- Everyone: Skip the ear-press if you have an ear infection.
Oxigen is a wellness app, not a medical device. It does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before starting, and keep following your care plan.
How Oxigen guides Humming Breath
- Rhythms: 4 · 8 or 4 · 10 seconds.
- Session length: 3, 5 or 10 minutes.
- Included with Oxigen Premium.
- An orb, a rhythm ring, haptics and optional sound guide each breath, with “I feel unwell” always on screen.
Similar calming techniques
Updated November 8, 2026. Copy reviewed against Oxigen’s claims policy and technique reference.