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Ujjayi Breath – Psychic Breath – Ocean Breath
Ujjayi Pranayama is classified as a tranquilizing pranayama as it soothes the nervous system and calms the mind. It has a deeply relaxing effect at the psychic level and is therefore also called the psychic breath. This Pranayama leads to a subtle state of mind. The name Ujjayi is a Sanskrit word, which means “to conquer” or “to be victorious.” Therefore, it can also be called “Victorious Breath.” The practitioner of Ujjayi will have the feeling of victory and will get rid of fears, which can be the reason behind many ailments in the body.
Because of the sound it makes, this breath is also sometimes called “Ocean Breath” or “Hissing Breath.” A great part of Ujjayi is that it can be practiced in any position as per the need be. Like those suffering from the slipped disc can even practice it in Makarasana. Hath Yogi Nikam Guruji of Shri Ambika Yog Kutir, Thane has classified Ujjayi breath into three different techniques:
1. Ujjayi Breathing Basic
- Spread a Yoga Mat and sit in any of the comfortable asanas like Padmasana, Vajrasana, Ardh-Padmasana or even Sukhasana on it.
- Allow the hands to rest on the knees.
- Relax the whole body and become aware of the natural breath in the nostrils.
- Shift the awareness to the throat region and feel the breath flowing in the throat.
- Develop the feelings that the breath is being drawn in and out through the throat.
- Contract the throat.
- A soft snoring sound will be produced, similar to that of breathing of a sleeping baby.
- Let both inhalations and exhalations be deep and slow.
- It is important that the breath should not be loud and it should be audible to the practitioner alone.
- Repeat the process 5 to 10 times.
2. Ujjayi Breathing (MADHYA UJJAYI)
- Sit comfortably in any preferred asana on a Yoga Mat with hands resting on the knees.
- Put both hands on the waist, gripping at the place just below the rib cage.
- Contract the throat and inhale deeply, generating a soft snoring sound.
- Exhale deeply through the contracted throat.
- Continue with deep exhalations and inhalations, contracting the throat and generating the snoring sound.
- On every inhalation, develop the feeling that the whole rib cage is filled with the breath.
- While every exhalation empties the rib cage of breath.
- The contraction and expansion of the chest result in the generation of heat in the rib cage, which further contributes to the elimination of a cough.
- Repeat this process 5 to 10 times.
3. Ujjayi Breathing (URDHVA UJJAYI)
- Sit comfortably in your preferred asana on a Yoga Mat with your hands resting on your knees and your spine erect.
- Make a frame by crossing the arms in front of the chest so that the elbows of one arm are clasped by the opposite arm’s hands.
- Exhale forcefully.
- While inhaling, raise the arms over the head, stretching the lungs to the maximum.
- Exhale and bring down the arms to their starting position.
- Repeat the process 5 to 10 times.
- Urdhva Ujjayi clears the phlegm from the respiratory tract and throat.
Ujjayi Breath Contraindications
- Do not contract the throat too strongly.
- Too strong a contraction of the throat and the resulting friction with breath can harm the inner walls of the throat.
- The contraction should be slight and tender and applied throughout the practice.
- The best Ujjayi will be when the snoring sound is audible to the practitioner himself.
Ujjayi Breath Benefits
- The efficiency of the lungs is enhanced by its practice.
- The respiratory tract and throat are freed from phlegm by the practice of Ujjayi Breathing.
- It is a very good practice for regulating the thyroid gland.
- Ujjayi is very good for the eradication of sinus.
- Ujjayi is best for patients with Asthma and heart ailments.
- Excessive palpitation of the heart is relieved by its practice.
- Ujjayi Pranayama removes fatigue and supplies instant energy to the practitioner.
- It is useful for curing enlargement of the spleen.
- As the name suggests, Ujjayi gives freedom from bondage.
- Ujjayi Breath is a tranquilizing Pranayama and calms the mind, increase the concentration and remove stress.
To calm the mind and for Concentration, also practice –
Ujjayi Pranayama Benefits – The Yogic Breath of Victory
In tantric meditation, the Ujjayi is used together with Khechari Mudra, the tongue lock, when one practice Ajapa Japa, Mantra Japa, Kriya Yoga or even Prana Vidya.
The Ujjayi breath or Ujjayi Pranayama should be followed by either Om Chanting or Bhramari Pranayama as the throat is best toned up for these two Naad Yog Practices.
