Humming for Health

Did you know that the simple practice of humming has real, science-backed health benefits?

A Nitric Oxide Boost

According to one study, humming causes a dramatic increase in sinus ventilation and a 15-fold increase in nasal nitric oxide compared with quiet exhalation.

Humming while exhaling speeds up the air exchange between our sinuses and nasal cavity, and since the nose is the primary site of nitric oxide production in the body, the vibrations cause the air to oscillate in your sinuses at a higher frequency, which prompts additional nitric oxide production.

According to Dr. Lou Ignarro, who won the Nobel Prize for his discovery of nitric oxide’s role in the body, “After you finish humming, if you immediately breathe in through your nose, you can capture quite a bit of the nitric oxide.”

Nitric oxide is known to be broadly antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial. Increased nitric oxide also leads to better blood flow, which allows more oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to your tissues.

There is also research that shows that strong, prolonged humming could help open the nasal passages and be beneficial for allergic rhinitis.

A Calmer Nervous System

Did you ever wonder why kids often hum while they play? Humming can be a simple self-soothing technique.

The vibrations from humming stimulate the vagus nerve, which is responsible for controlling involuntary motor functions like digestion, mood, heart rate, blood pressure, etc. Stimulating the vagus nerve can help calm the nervous system by sending signals to the body and mind to relax.

Next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, give humming a try—and know you’re also getting a nitric oxide boost for better blood flow and cardiovascular health.