How a Faint Reminded Me the Life Saving Benefits of Humming

With all the rehab on my left shoulder the past few months, I have been having increased pain in my RIGHT shoulder.  I injured my right lifting weights years ago and it is feeling the effect of being over-used.  On June 11, I had a dry-needling session on my right shoulder, and something unexpected happened: I had a vasovagal response, meaning I almost fainted. I broke out in a cold sweat, my heart rate increased, my vision narrowed, and I felt completely zoned out. This is a known but rare possible side effect of dry needling, so I was not expecting it.  I was scared in the moment but my therapist stayed by my side and as I started to black out, one thing popped into my mind: humming.

 Humming is great health hack that I had not thought about in years. I took some deep breathes and a few soft “mmm”s later, I felt warmth, regained focus, and calm settled in and I was able to complete the treatment. Words can’t express my gratitude. Let take a look into this simple, yet effective, hack.

 The Science of Humming

 1.    Stimulates the vagus nerve. Vocal fold vibrations activate the parasympathetic “rest and digest” system.  This switches you out of the “fight or flight” sympathetic response.  researchgate.net+15washingtonpost.com+15youtube.com+15glamour.comochealthpsych.comlukecoutinho.com.

2.    Reduces stress faster than sleep or exercise. Holter‑monitor studies found humming created the lowest measured stress index. washingtonpost.com+2pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+2researchgate.net+2.

3.    Boosts nitric oxide—15–20× higher.  Improved nasal air flow, sinus clearance, blood vessel dilation = respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune benefits. lukecoutinho.com.

4.    Improves HRV, blood pressure & pain relief. Supports resilience, relaxation, and healing.

 How to Practice

·       Inhale 4–6 sec, then hum out 8–10 sec.

·       Do 5–10 cycles.

·       Try the “voo‑hum”: exhale with low, rumbling voice.

·       Do it anywhere for instant calm.

 My Story Revisited

My humming during the vasovagal event likely:

·       Reset my heart rate

·       Activated vagal tone

·       Prevented fainting

·       Brought me back safely

 Why you should care

Whether you're a patient, practitioner, or wellness seeker—humming offers a tool you carry in your voice. It’s inexpensive, fast, and effective.  The next time you feel under stress and want to find a way to relax quickly, try humming!  I have been making a part of my daily practice and I recommend it for you, too! 

 Humming.  For the HEALTH of it!