Ujjayi Breath
Ujjayi (oo-jah-yi) is a yoga breathing technique, translates from Sanskrit as 'Victorious'
or sometimes 'Ocean' breath. It is performed by creating a soft sound in the back of the throat while inhaling and
exhaling through the nose. The breath swirls around the back of the throat before continuing its journey to the lungs. This
swirling action is what creates the sound that can be described as the waves of the ocean rolling in and out or for the less
poetic, Darth Vader from 'Star Wars'
This breathing technique is both energizing and relaxing at the same time. It increases oxygenation and builds
internal heat as well as helping the body get rid of toxins during asana practice. It can also help alleviate insomnia because
of its relaxing effect.
1. Sit up straight, spine erect but not stiff in a comfortable cross-legged position.
2. Inhale and exhale deeply through the nose a few times.
3. Inhale deeply through the nose and exhale
through the mouth making a soft audible 'hhhhaaaa' sound, as if you're trying to fog up the window with your breath.
Do this a few times to get used to the breath swirling in the back of the throat.
4. After a few rounds, midway
through an exhale, close your mouth to let the air continue flowing through the nose instead of the mouth. You should be able
to hear the sound. Practice it a few times.
5. Once you get used to the exhales, apply the same to your inhales.
6. Congratulations. You've just been initiated into the nerdy Darth Vader wanna-be club, except you're
cooler because you do yoga. May the Force be with you.
With time and consistent practice, Ujjayi breath will
become 2nd nature and you'll be able to go right into the breath without any effort at all.
During our yoga
practice, the Ujjayi sound creates a rhythm in the breath that allows us to 'ride' it gracefully throughout our practice.
The sound becomes a mantra to set the our minds in focus. Learning to listen to the breath will tell us the quality of our
practice. If we apply too much effort, our breath will become constricted or forced. With too little focus, the ujjayi breath
will be drowned by the sound of our own thoughts. Maintain awareness upon our breath and every moment becomes a meditation,
hence our yoga practice is a form of moving meditation.
