Yoga Practices: Ujjayi Breath

Ujjayi breath is a technique employed in a wide range of yoga practices and it is typically done in combination with asana (poses). Mastering this breathing technique will deepen your practice, calm your mind and strengthen your body. The Ujjayi breath is said to be very close the way that a newborn baby breathes, and learning to do it correctly will benefit you in many ways.

How To Do The Ujjayi Breath

Before adding the Ujjayi breath to your yoga practice, try to do it while seated on your mat in a crosslegged position. Begin by taking a slow, smooth breath in through you nose. You should not breathe in so much air that it is uncomfortable.

As you breathe out, narrow the back of your throat passage to make the breath audible. You should be able to create a noise of similar to the sound of rushing water. Use your diaphragm to control the length and speed of the breath, in that way you will also strengthen this muscle. Ujjayi breath is sometimes known as the “ocean breath,” because of the way you rattle the glottis as air passes in and out.

If you aren’t sure how to make this breath at first, try opening your mouth on the exhale as if you are fogging up a pair of glasses, or saying “haaaaaaaah.” When you are able to create the sound on an exhale through your mouth, attempt the same breath exhaled through your nose. Feel the air flow out through your nasal passages.

As you practice remember that inhalation and exhalation are both done through the nose and should be an equal amount of time in duration. Make sure to keep your breath flowing and your throat open. Don’t tense your shoulders or jaw. Be careful not to overfill your lungs as it will cause tension. Finally, keep your navel pulled in while breathing.

Using The Ujjayi B...

... middle of paper ...

...practitioners to maintain a sense of the present while practicing. This breath will keep you self-aware and grounded in your practice. The sound that the breath makes will link your body and mind, and allow you to practice longer by minimizing distractions.

You can also use this breath outside of the yoga studio. Try using it when you are feeling frustrated or angry, and you will find that it can have a positive effect on your mental state. You can also use it while engaged in other types of exercises such as running, cycling and hiking. In fact, many high level athletes use this breath in their training.

The word Ujjayi comes from the Sanskrit prefix “ud” for one who is and “ji” for victorious, thus it means “one who is victorious.” And by mastering this breath and combining it with yoga, you too will be victorious in your practice and your everyday life.