Introduction to Ujjayi Breath

Ujjayi (pronounced oo-jai) breathing, also known as “victorious breath,” has been used throughout the years to enhance the yoga practice.

People commonly refer to it as the “ocean breath,” because of the sound that Ujjayi creates. It also helps us to synchronize breath with movements during the yoga practice, making the entire practice more rhythmic and smooth.

How to do Ujjayi Breath

What are the benefits of Ujjayi Breathing?

Ujjayi helps balance the entire cardio-respiratory system, it releases feelings of irritation and frustration. It also helps to calm the body and the mind.

Benefits

• • Creates internal body heat and energy
  • Helps to release tension
  • Increases the amount of oxygen in the blood stream
  • Regulates the blood pressure
  • Helps us maintain focus and a good flow during the yoga practice
  • Increases self-awareness and brings us to the present moment
  • A well performed Ujjayi adds value to any yoga practice.

How to perform Ujjayi Breath correctly

1. 1. Seal your lips without any pressure and start to breath in and out through your nose.
   2. Take a slightly deeper inhalation through your nose. Then exhale slowly through your nose while constricting the muscles in the back of your throat (the glottis). The constriction should create a deep sound that resembles the sound of ocean waves.

If you’re having trouble getting the right sound for your breath, try this:

• • With your mouth open, try exhaling while making the sound “AAAAH”—it’s very similar to the sound you make when you’re trying to fog up a mirror. Do it a couple of times and until you get comfortable with this form of breathing.
  • Now close your mouth and attempt to do the same sound while you exhale. You will feel the outflow of air through your nose. Once you have mastered this on the exhales, use the same method for the inhales, gently constricting the back of your throat as you breath in.

If you’re practicing this exercise correctly, you should sound like waves in the ocean—the inhales can be compared to the sound the ocean makes as the water is gathering up to form the wave, the exhales can be compared to the sound of the waves crashing to the shore

When to use Ujjayi Breath?

When you’re feeling anxious, stressed or out of balance: Ujjayi breath is really good for settling anxiety and stress, also for balancing the mind. If you find yourself feeling anxious or stressed, try shifting into Ujjayi breath. You should notice a calming effect after a few rounds.

When you’re practicing yoga: Try and direct your attention to the Ujjayi breathing while you are practicing yoga. It will help you stay focused and flow easily from one asana to the other.

When performing any type of exercising: Ujjayi is also very useful when you’re doing aerobic exercise like running or cycling. Try it out when you are working out and see if it helps your body to perform better, stay calm and have better endurance.

Lastly, when you’re feeling nervous: Ujjayi breath is naturally slow and rhythmic which makes it very helpful to calm the nerves. The next time you find yourself agitated, try this yogic breathing and help quiet your mind.

More pranayama techniques

• • Sitali Pranayama – Cooling Breathing Technique – Cooling breathing technique
  • Kapalabhati – Breath of fire

Share the Sound

If you liked this article and video, please share it with your practice partners and leave us a comment below, do you love Ujjayi? 

If you’d like more videos like this check out Doron’s YouTube channel. If you want to work with Doron personally, come visit us at the Doron Yoga & Zen Center in Guatemala for daily yoga classes, retreats and workshops, and Yoga Alliance-certified yoga teacher training!

Blissful Living,

Doron