Ujjayi

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Ujjayi (

Etymology

"Ujjayi" (उज्जायी) comes from the Sanskrit prefix "ud" (उद्) and root "ji" (जि): "ujji" (उज्जि), meaning "to be victorious".^[2] It thus means "one who is victorious".

Technique

Ujjayi breath is a type of diaphragmatic breathing through which the throat muscles of the glottis are slightly constricted, causing the air to produce a whispering, audible vibration as it passes in and out the vocal cords.^{[3] [4]} Inhalation and exhalation are both done through the nose and the resultant sound must be audible enough for the practitioner to hear but not so loud as to be heard by someone standing six feet away.^[3] The inhalations and exhalations are equal in duration and should be controlled in a natural manner that causes no discomfort to the practitioner.^[1]

Effects

According to

The sound naturally calms the mind and draws attention to the breath, helping internalize awareness and keeping the breath smooth and even. Practicing ujjayi also allows the user to regulate and control the flow of breath and movement of the diaphragm. Additionally, it helps clean the throat and lungs, bringing up excess phlegm and mucus, and strengthens the diaphragm and throat muscles.[3]^{[4][attribution needed]}

Ujjayi Breath is also known as Ujjayi Pranayama. Sometimes referred to as "cobra breathing", it is also a helpful way for the yogi or yogini to keep their vital life force (prana) circulating throughout the body, rather than escaping from it. Ujjayi is said to be similar to the breathing of a new-born baby before their prana begins to flow out into sensual perceptions and mental activity.^{[according to whom?]}

See also

• Kapalabhati
• Pranayama
• Pratiloma ujjayi
  is a variant of ujjayi breathing, inhaling and exhaling through alternate nostrils

References

External links