Ujjayi Breathing
Ujjayi breathing, often referred to as "Victorious Breath" or "Ocean Breath," is a yogic breathing technique commonly used in various styles of yoga, including Hatha and Vinyasa. The term "Ujjayi" comes from the Sanskrit words "ud," meaning "up" or "subtle," and "jaya," meaning "victory" or "success." This breathing technique is characterized by the sound it produces, which resembles the ocean waves or the sound of Darth Vader's breath in Star Wars.
Here's how to practice Ujjayi breathing:
Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. You can also practice Ujjayi breathing while in a seated or standing yoga posture.
Take a few deep breaths to relax and center yourself.
Inhale slowly through your nose, filling your lungs completely. As you inhale, slightly constrict the back of your throat, creating a gentle resistance to the airflow. This is similar to the constriction you might feel when fogging up a mirror with your breath.
Exhale slowly and audibly through your nose, maintaining the gentle constriction in the throat. The exhalation should produce a soft, soothing sound, like the sound of ocean waves or a distant breeze.
Continue this slow and controlled breath, maintaining the slight constriction in the throat on both inhalation and exhalation.
Feel the breath moving in and out, and focus on the sound and sensation of Ujjayi breathing. Let the breath be steady and rhythmic.
As with any breathing technique, it's essential to practice it mindfully, and if you have respiratory conditions or concerns, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified yoga instructor before incorporating Ujjayi breathing into your routine.
Areas it can help in: Improved Respiratory Function, Enhanced Oxygenation, Calming the Nervous System, Stress Reduction, Anxiety Management, Improved Concentration, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Better Sleep, Mind-Body Connection, Lowered Blood Pressure, helps perform asanas better, improves digestion, Internal Heat Generation
Additional Exploration:
https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/ujjayi-breathing
