Ujjayi Breath
Ujjāyī Prāṇāyāma
Breathing through the nose with a slightly narrowed throat, making a soft, ocean-like sound.
History
Ujjāyī means victorious; it is listed among the classical kumbhakas (breath practices).
Philosophy
The sound becomes an anchor that keeps attention on the breath.
Physical character
Slows and lengthens the breath, helping to keep rhythm during dynamic practice.
This page offers general information and is not medical advice. If you have a medical condition or are pregnant, consult a doctor or a qualified teacher before practising.
Related practices
- 002 Style
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
Aṣṭāṅga Vinyāsa Yoga
A strong, dynamic practice moving through fixed sequences of postures, with each movement linked to the breath.
Mysore, India · 20th century
- 004 Style
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyāsa
A style that flows from posture to posture with the breath. Sequences are freely composed by each teacher.
Developed in the West from the Ashtanga lineage · late 20th century
- 012 Technique
Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
Nāḍī Śodhana
A calm breath practice, closing one nostril with the fingers and breathing through each side in turn.
India · classical haṭha texts