What Does Ujjayi Breath Do?
In this article, learn about the meaning of Ujjayi breath, its benefits and how to practice it.
The practice of yoga is an art, the art of living ethics. The goal is to create a union between body, mind, and soul in order to create balance and equanimity so that one can live in peace.
Breathing accompanies every movement in yoga.
There are many techniques, but today we’ll focus on Ujjayi… But, what is Ujjayi breathing, and what does Ujjayi breath do?
Ujjayi, which means victorious in Sanskrit, is a breath coming from the belly where you breathe in and out through your nose exclusively.
Ujjayi breath allows us to regain control of our breathing and thoughts. This breathing also generates a strong heat (Agni) which interacts throughout our body and purifies us deeply as the body will then eliminate toxins through sweating. Thanks to Ujjayi, the sequences of postures are easier because the body becomes more malleable.
To learn more about Ujjayi breathing, how to properly integrate it into your yoga practice, and the benefits it will bring, read on!
Yoga and Ujjayi, a holistic approach
The practice of Ujjayi breathing is one of the best ways to develop discipline, balance, strength, self-growth, deep relaxation, and to unite body and soul.
It is a holistic approach to calming, balancing, and soothing the mind.
It is also the perfect remedy to cure all health problems, especially mental disorders.
Regular and intense practice develops greater strength and willpower and a deeper meditative state.
“All life is Yoga” – Sri Aurobindo
How to practice Ujjayi breathing?
Ujjayi breathing comes from the belly.
It is a deep, rhythmic, strong but relaxed breathing at the same time.
- Ujjayi breathing is deep, but fluid. The nostrils are relaxed.
- We breathe in and out through the nose, keeping the mouth closed. Exhaling through the mouth cooling the body.
- However, we want to keep the body warm, so that muscles, joints, ligaments, and bones become warmer and more supple.
- The blood becomes thinner and purer and the internal organs get rid of mucus and toxins.
- Same inhalation and exhalation time.
- Synchronization of breathing with movement is a key aspect of ujjayi breathing.
- The movement must be integrated into the breath. For example, if an asana has 3 movements to perform in one breath, the breath must be divided into 3 equal parts to accompany each movement equally.
- During each asana, the student remains from 5 to 20 breaths. This is the minimum amount of time necessary to enter the asanas and experiment with them. The more we work on the Ujjayi breathing, the better the muscles will function.
The deeper and longer the breath, the more space the student can create in his body.
Deeper breathing opens the body, creating more space. The heart, the joints, the whole body, and the energy centers or Chakras, in Sanskrit, open up.
All blockages are reversed.
In this opening, in this creation of more space in the body, and the Chakras, especially in the Heart or Anahata Chakra, many things can finally happen…
More prana comes in, meaning more light.
Light is love, compassion, gratitude, forgiveness…
The beneficial effects of Ujjayi Breathing and Yoga
In ancient Greek, the etymology of the verb to forgive (sinhoro) comes from the word sin (together) + horos (space) = to coexist in the same place with others.
In this way, the practice of Ujjayi breath becomes a deep healing, spiritual experience.
Ancient Greek and Indian medicine repeatedly mention the benefits of practicing yoga to heal and prevent disease and restore health.
Many university studies have also proven the positive effects of yoga on health.
The practice of yoga, through deep and conscious Ujjayi breathing, brings more prana through the meridians or nerve channels (nadis in Sanskrit), stimulating the organs of the body which in turn improves metabolic activities.
This means that chemical transformations in a cell are carried out more efficiently.
This is a very beneficial exercise for those who suffer from many diseases, especially diabetes.
Precautions for practicing yoga and Ujjayi
- Arrive a few minutes before class, take a quiet seat. Relax and center yourself before starting your practice.
- Practicing on an empty stomach is recommended. The suggested time is three hours after a meal. For ideas on what to eat before and after a yoga class be sure to check out this article (click on the link).
- It is recommended not to drink water during class. Stay well hydrated during the day. Drink lots of pure water after class. If this doesn’t work for you, a small sip or just a mouthwash is the best solution during the practice. This is done to help the body maintain internal heat.
- Inform the instructor if you are injured or pregnant before the class, so that he or she can suggest appropriate modifications if necessary.
Once you are seated comfortably or in the position of your choice, start with Ujjayi breathing. Synchronize your breathing with your movement.
Remember: when practicing asanas, be gentle with yourself, go gradually.
Kindness, gratitude, and compassion towards your body are necessary.
No need to reach perfection in the postures from the first class. No need to progress overnight.
Also, integrate metta (loving-kindness) and meditation into your practice.
Conclusion
The practice of yoga is a joyful experience for both teacher and student.
One enters, apprehends, and learns the postures like a child discovering a new trick. With the same innocence, purity, enthusiasm, and playfulness.
This allows the students to take full advantage of the practice and by extension to benefit from its benefits.
The first yoga classes may seem difficult.
The body must be as if reprogrammed. It must forget about dysfunctional patterns, self-destructive habits, and inappropriate postures.
By the end of the first 10 classes, the body has learned the sequence and can let go more easily.
Are you ready?
Learn how to use the Ujjayi breath within the Kriya breathing technique 👉 In this article, we tell you all about the Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique.