The Ujjayi Breathing Technique

Ujjayi breathing is an audible, diaphragmatic technique used in various forms of yoga. Breath is taken through the nose with inhalations and exhalations of equal length. Ujjayi breathing produces a soft, oceanlike sound and increases oxygenation, creates internal body heat and cleanses toxins from the body. The technique also helps yoga practitioners set a rhythm to their practice and remain present and aware of their movements.

Instructions

• 1

  Inhale deeply through your nose. Open your mouth, close the back of your throat slightly and breathe out while making a long "ha" sound. Repeat several times, and notice the sound and feeling of your exhalation.

• 2

  Inhale deeply through your nose again. Slightly constrict your throat passage as you did in Step 1, but this time, close your mouth and exhale through your nose. This should create an oceanlike, Darth Vader sound.

• 3

  Lengthen your inhalations and exhalations while keeping your throat partially closed. Continue breathing in this manner for five to 15 minutes of practice.

• 4

  Lie down on your back, and allow your breath to return to a normal pace. Open your throat completely, and breathe through your nose and mouth as you normally would.

• 5

  Align the motion of your body with your breathing to incorporate the ujjayi technique into your yoga practice. Follow Steps 1 and 2, and slowly unite your breathing with your movements. A starting technique is to breathe in while reaching your arms overhead, and then breathe out while releasing your hands to heart center. Breathe in to sweep your arms back overhead, and breathe out to fold forward over straight legs.

• 6

  Continue your audible, ujjayi breathing throughout your yoga practice to experience deeper breathing, a cleansing of bodily toxins and increased energy.