Many yoga classes start by asking students to adopt their Ujjayi breath. This breath builds heat internally in the body and gets the body ready for the movement of the yoga asana practice. The action to adopt the breath is subtle and gentle, and like all things worth doing, it takes practice to get to know your body and your breath.
Ujjayi is a Sanskrit term meaning one who is victorious, so the common names are “breath of victory” or “victorious breath.” This technique is a helpful tool to build heat within your body and to sharpen tapas (fiery discipline). For those interested in Ayurveda, this breathing technique can help balance all of the doshas but is particularly helpful for Vata and Kapha Balancing.
I like Ujjayi breath because the sound helps me remain present. The textured inhales and exhales add a pleasant rhythm to my yoga asana flow. If I’m taking a heated class or working rather hard, I drop the breath technique to help cool off my body. Then, later in a class, I’ll pick it back up again to maintain a more meditative state.
Precautions and Contraindications
Don’t practice this breathing technique if you have any of the following. If you have any of these contraindications, find a natural breath that suits you. If you find your breath labored, please stop this technique and return to your natural breath.
- Respiratory infection
- Sore throat
- Irritation to the throat or sinuses
How to Practice Ujjayi Breath
- Start with your posture. Sit nice and tall on the floor or in a chair with a long spine. Relax your abdomen.
- Before you begin, take a few centering breaths. Slowly and deeply breathe slowly in through your nose. Exhale slowly and completely out your mouth.
- Close your mouth and soften your jaw. Inhale through both nostrils and exhale through both nostrils.
- Gently contrict your throat muscles and create an almost hollowing sensation. Generate a textured breath that sounds like the ocean. It
- Breathe out of both nostrils continuing to guide your exhale at back of throat.
- Allow your breath to be smooth and steady and be mindful not force anything.
- Repeat for 3-5 rounds.
- When you are ready release the technique and release you hands to your knees or your lap and return to your natural breath.
- Repeat one or two more rounds to keep you centered and feeling warm.
- Sit in stillness for a minute or two and notice how your body feels and how your mind feels.
Note: This breath is also often engaged in child’s pose and can be practiced through a flow of movement to warm you up.
