Ujjayi Pranayama

Ujjayi Pranayama

     In Sanskrit, the prefix Ud means "upwards" or "superiority" and is given to nouns and verbs, Jaya means "conquest," "victory" or "success" and Pranayama means "control of the life force energy" or "breathing exercises." This practice is a Sama Vritti Pranayama practice, meaning "equal ratio breathing" where the inhale and exhale are the same ratio. This practice is described in the Gheranda Samhita as well as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

     This practice is also referred to as the victorious breath, psychic breath as well as the ocean breath because of the similar sounds of this breathing and the sound that the waves make as the come ashore.

     This breathing technique is intended to slow and lengthen the inhale and exhale, bringing the practitioner's attention on the breath. When this breathing is mastered, the practitioner will preform it without thought, allowing the practitioner to focus on stilling the mind during the practice of Asana.

     When this breath is properly preformed, the sound being produced during the exhale is similar to a dog when they are whining during there exhale. Some people find similarities between this breath and Darth Vader in the movie Star Wars which is the best example.

     This constriction elongates the breath allowing the practitioner to full inhale or exhale into or out of an Asana during practice.

Practice - Variation 1

  • Constrict the glottis muscle located in the back of the throat during the inhale and exhale.



Practice - Variation 2

  • Starting with the two steps above.

  • Inhale and hold the breath in for 1 - 2 seconds while bringing your awareness to Ajna Chakra or Bindu Chakra.

  • Exhale slowly allowing the exhale to be as long as comfortable as possible.



  • Duration
  • Practice 5 - 10 rounds.


  • Precautions with Ujjayi Pranayama

  • Do not practice the second variation if you have high blood pressure or any heart related issue.

  • Anyone who is too introverted by nature should not preform this practice.



  • Benefits of Ujjayi Pranayama

  • Encourages the free flow of Prana or life force energy.

  • Helps to synchronizing the breath with the movements of the body.

  • Calms the mind.

  • Improves breathing.

  • Regulates the body's internal temperature.

  • Helps to lower the blood pressure.

  • Relives tension.

  • Strengthens the digestive and nervous systems.

  • Promotes good sleep.

  • This practice is also referred to as

  • Ujjayi Breath

  • Ujjayi

  • Victorious Breath

  • Ocean Breath
  • Ujjayi Breathing


  • Related Hatha Yoga Practices


    Neti Pot

    Shatkarma

       The six cleansing actions are intended to be the start of a Yoga practice in order to clean, strengthen, remove toxins and improve the flow of Prana through out the practitioner.

    Asana

    Asana

       Yoga poses help to elongate and strengthen the muscles of the body as well as to calm the mind for the deeper spiritual practices of Yoga.

    Pranayama

    Pranayama

       Breathing exercises are a great practice to remove carbon dioxide, increase lung capacity as well as being a good preparatory practice for the deepest spiritual practice of Yoga, Meditation.

    Bandha

    Bandha

       The four body locks that makes up this practice give the practitioner the ability to hold or lock Prana in certain locations of the body. These practices also allow the practitioner to release blockages that may be holding the practitioner back.

    Mudra

    Mudra

       The gestures in this practice include the whole body and are intended to awaken Prana, Chakras as well as Kundalini energy within the practitioner.

    Meditation

    Meditation

       Meditation is the highest spiritual practice of Yoga which is why this practice is the most difficult practice to preform, but with correct knowledge and dedication, can be the most profound practice of Yoga.

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