A new wave of headlines says five minutes of humming can boost heart and brain health.
A recent study finds no clear short-term cognitive or emotional benefits from humming alone.
Humming can raise nasal nitric oxide levels.
Researchers have linked nasal nitric oxide to better sinus function and blood vessel relaxation (PubMed study).
The idea that humming helps the vagus nerve and heart rate variability has spread online.
The claim appears in lifestyle stories and wellness guides across Asia (Times of India).
Researchers tested whether humming improves short-term memory, reaction time, and emotional ratings.
They measured performance in controlled online experiments with hundreds of participants (PLOS ONE study).
The study found no short-term cognitive boost from humming.
Humming sometimes slowed reaction time and reduced short-term verbal recall in some tests.
The researchers wrote, “humming does not positively impact cognitive processing” in short-term tasks (PLOS ONE).
They noted that humming reliably increases nasal nitric oxide, but this did not translate to clear cognitive gains.
Other researchers report benefits from humming when it is part of a broader practice.
A review of simple humming or Bhramari pranayama shows reduced stress and improved heart rate variability in some studies (Bhramari review).
Those studies tested humming in a meditative context.
They combined humming with slow breathing, posture, and focused attention.
Nitric oxide itself has many biological roles.
NO can relax blood vessels and affect neurotransmitter release (PLOS ONE background).
The difference in findings may come from context and timing.
Short, isolated humming may not produce measurable brain benefits.
Longer or repeated practice may have different effects.
Some clinical benefits may need weeks to months to appear.
The new study did not measure nasal NO directly.
Therefore it cannot map nitric oxide levels to cognitive outcomes in each participant (PLOS ONE).
The study authors recommend caution about quick claims.
They say an increase of NO does not automatically improve thinking or emotional processing.
Why this matters for Thailand is clear.
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading health burden in Thailand (WHO country profile).
Thai families worry about heart health for aging parents.
Many Thai readers search for simple daily habits to reduce risk.
Humming may still help as a low-cost stress tool.
Stress reduction supports heart health through blood pressure and lifestyle choices.
Health officials should place humming in context.
Humming should not replace exercise, salt reduction, or medical care.
Thai clinicians can view humming as an adjunctive practice.
Clinicians should recommend proven measures first, such as physical activity and blood pressure control.
Buddhist mindfulness and chanting traditions offer cultural parallels.
Bhramari-like humming fits well with chants and temple-based relaxation practices.
Temple groups and community health workers can test guided humming sessions.
They can combine humming with breathing and gentle movement in public programs.
Policy makers should fund pragmatic trials in Thailand.
Trials can test whether daily humming plus lifestyle changes reduces blood pressure or improves wellbeing.
Researchers should measure nitric oxide, heart rate variability, and long-term outcomes.
This approach will clarify whether humming gives measurable cardiovascular benefits.
For individual readers, the practical steps are simple.
Try short humming practice as a calming ritual, not as medical treatment.
Start with five minutes of gentle nasal humming after slow breaths.
Combine humming with walking, healthy meals, and regular doctor visits.
People with heart disease should follow medical advice first.
They should not stop medications or replace care with humming.
Parents can teach humming to children as a calming skill.
School programs can include short breathing and humming breaks.
Public health messages should be evidence-based and clear.
Avoid overhyping single studies or quick fixes for chronic disease.
Journalists should report both enthusiasm and limits.
State the science that shows increased nitric oxide and the science that shows no short-term cognitive gain.
Clinics and wellness centers can offer guided humming sessions.
They should measure blood pressure and mood before and after sessions.
Researchers should explore which groups may benefit most.
Older adults, people with chronic stress, and those with respiratory conditions may respond differently.
In short, humming is harmless for most people.
It can ease stress and fit Thai meditation and family routines.
Humming is not a proven short-term brain booster.
Do not expect immediate cognitive gains from five minutes of humming alone.
Health authorities and communities can study humming further.
They can add it to a toolbox of low-cost wellness practices if data support benefits.