Ujjayi Pranayama (Deep Throat Breathing)


The victory or ocean sounding breath is focusing, grounding, and aids in concentration.

Ujjayi Pranayama is called the ocean sounding breath because you make an ocean sound by contracting the glottis with the inhalation and exhalation. This Pranayama is done through the nose, but it is helpful to begin practicing breathing through the mouth. To make the ocean sound, whisper the syllable "h," feeling the contraction in your throat. Keep this contraction engaged on the inhalation and exhalation. After a couple of breaths try to close the mouth, breathing through the nose while still making the ocean sound in your throat.It is Also known as "Victorious Breath," Deep Throat Breathing is best known for its hissing sound. This breathing technique, also called Pranayama, helps slow down and regulate the breath and focus the mind on the breath. The hiss creates a soothing sound for meditation. Ujayii breath is recommended to be used during the majority of your yoga practice.When practiced as a pranayama, Ujjayi breath is used in three different stages and with three different hand positions to direct the prana (life force energy) to the lower lobes, middle lobes and upper lobes of the lungs, expanding and using both lungs fully.


Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Begin in Easy Seat and close your eyes.

  2. Inhale through your nose, slightly constrict the back of your throat so that your breath makes a quiet hissing sound.

  3. Exhale out of your mouth and make a drawn out whispered "ha" sound.

  4. On your next breath, close your mouth, and keep the slight constriction of your throat as you inhale through your nose and exhale out the nose, keeping the same feeling in your throat with your mouth closed as you did when you made the "ah" sound. Try to breathe this way for five minutes, keeping the inhales and exhales at the same length.


Benefits

  • Ujjayi pranayama helps the practitioner to practice superior level of concentration and focus in our daily life. It diminishes distraction and helps the practitioner to become more self-aware of his surroundings so that he does not commit any grave mistakes.

  • Practicing this pranayama on a daily basis helps to increase the blood circulation throughout the body and stimulates the overall body metabolism.

  • By practicing this pranayama regularly, you can bring about bring positive changes to your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

  • Ujjayi Pranayama helps the body to get rid of toxins that have accumulated over a period of time.

  • Practicing Ujjayi Pranayama helps to release tension. Additionally it also helps to diminish headaches and provide relief from sinus


Video Demonstration & How to Practice It