Ujjayi breath, also known as victorious breath or ocean breath, is a breathing technique commonly used in yoga and pranayama practices. In this breath, the inhalation and exhalation are performed through the nostrils with a slight constriction of the throat muscles, creating a soft hissing or ocean-like sound.
Ujjayi breath is often used in asana practice to synchronize the breath with movement and to calm the mind and nervous system. It can also help to increase lung capacity, improve circulation, and reduce stress and anxiety.
How To Perform Ujjai Pranayama: Ocean Breath
Sit comfortably in a seated position, either on a yoga mat or a chair, with your spine straight and your eyes closed.
Take a deep inhalation through your nose, filling up your lungs completely.
Gently contract the back of your throat, as if you are trying to whisper or fog a mirror. This will create a slight hissing sound as the air moves through your throat.
Hold the breath for a moment and then exhale slowly and fully through your nose, while still keeping the throat contracted to create the hissing sound.
Repeat for several rounds, gradually lengthening both the inhalation and exhalation, while maintaining the Ujjayi sound.
Note: Ujjayi breath can also be practiced while doing yoga asanas, such as Sun Salutations, to help synchronize breath with movement.
Benefits
Calms the mind and soothes the nervous system
Increases lung capacity and oxygenation of the blood
Stimulates and balances the thyroid gland
Builds heat in the body, aiding in detoxification
Helps to regulate blood pressure
Enhances concentration and awareness during yoga practice
Contraindications
Those with low blood pressure should avoid Ujjayi breath as it can cause further lowering of blood pressure
Those with respiratory conditions such as asthma should practice with caution
Chakras
Ujjayi breath can help to balance and activate the Vishuddha (throat) chakra, aiding in communication and self-expression.
Doshas
Ujjayi breath can balance all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), but is especially beneficial for balancing Vata dosha.
Drishti
There is no specific drishti (gaze) associated with Ujjayi breath, but it can be helpful to maintain a soft gaze or close the eyes to help focus on the breath.
History Of Ujjai Pranayama
The history of Ujjayi breath is not very clear as it has been practiced in various forms across different cultures for thousands of years. The term "Ujjayi" comes from the Sanskrit word "ujjayi" which means "victorious" or "triumphant". The practice of Ujjayi breath is a common technique used in many forms of yoga, including Hatha, Ashtanga, and Kundalini yoga. It is believed to have originated in ancient India as a way to enhance the practice of pranayama, or breath control. Over time, the practice has been refined and adapted by different yogic traditions, with variations in the way it is taught and practiced. Today, Ujjayi breath is widely used as a technique to deepen the breath, calm the mind, and increase focus and concentration during yoga practice.
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