Ujjayi

Ujjayi breath is sometimes called the ocean breath or the victorious breath. Unlike many other pranayama, the Ujjayi breath may be done in association with different asana. As with other pranayama, the Ujjayi breath is a three-part breath, first filling the belly, then the rib cage, and finally the upper chest. Inhalation and exhalation are both done through the nose. The ocean sound is created by constricting the throat muscles, or the glottis, as air passes in and out. As the throat passage is narrowed, the speed of the air passing through it is decreased, making the breath long and thin. Proper execution of the Ujjayi breath also sounds like a nasal Darth Vader.

Ujjayi breath may be used continuously throughout Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, and frequently in Power Yoga and Vinyasa flow yoga. This breath enables the practitioner to maintain a rhythm to their practice, take in enough oxygen, and helps build energy to maintain practice, while clearing out toxins from the system. This breath is especially important in transition into and out of postures, as it helps keep practitioners present, aware, and grounded in the practice, and lends a meditative quality to such a practice.

Ujjayi is also a helpfu way for the Yogi or Yogini to keep the vital life force Prana circulating inside, up and down, rather then flowing out thru the senses. It is sometimes referred to as "Cobra Breathing". Ujjay is similiar to a new born babies breathing before the Prana begins to flow out in the worlds attractions.