Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Menu
  • Home
  • Yoga Students
    • My Bookings
    • New To Yoga, Welcome!
    • Benefits Of Yoga
    • Yoga Etiquette
    • Yoga Wall - Tell Me More
    • Our Space
    • Guided Practices
  • Class Schedule
  • Events, Workshops & Training
    • All Events
    • 200 Hr Yoga Teacher Training
    • 300 Hr Yoga Teacher Training
    • Special Events
  • Private Sessions
    • Book Appointment
    • PandoraStar
    • Sound Sessions
    • Private Journey
  • About Us
    • Pricing
    • On Demand
    • My Account | Login
    • Wellness Center
      • Acupuncture
      • Massage
      • Head to Toe Aesthetic
      • Advanced Therapy Institute of Touch
    • Contact Us
    • Our Teachers
    • Student Testimonials
    • Our Yogi Community
    • Community Content
      • Benefits of Yoga
      • Yoga Styles
      • Postures
      • The Art of Breath
      • Progressing in Your Practice
      • Yoga Accessories
      • Yoga Resources
      • Newsletter Library
    • Help Out Satya
  • Join now

(719) 203-4525

Universal Logo
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • The Art of Breath >
  • Ujjayi

Ujjayi

  • Created in The Art of Breath

Mindful breathing is the foundation of yoga practice and Ujjayi (literally “victorious breath”) is just one of several breathing exercises that can help to clear the mind and improve your health. Ujjayi is often applied during the poses (asanas) of an Ashtanga or Vinyasa Yoga practice, or it can also be used during meditation. This form of breathing warms up and massages the internal organs, raising body heat. It is also said to relieve headaches and sinus pressure while toning the digestive system and nervous system. It also has a calming, centering effect on the mind, helping it to clear out negative thought processes while relieving stress.

Practicing Ujjayi Breathing

Ujjayi breathing in yoga helps yogis focus on a necessary bodily function that most people take entirely for granted—breathing. Many yoga instructors recommend practicing Ujjayi breathing on its own before adding it to asana practice.

To get into Ujjayi breathing, you can sit comfortably on a yoga mat, in Easy Pose or Lotus Pose. Ensure that your spine is straight and your chest and belly are open. Relax your face, jaw and tongue and close your eyes to shift your focus to listening to the sound of your breath.

Inhale deeply through your nose, and then exhale through the mouth, constricting the throat just enough (like when you whisper) so that the exhale sounds like a long, gentle “ahhhh” sound.

Repeat these inhalations and exhalations a few times and then switch from exhaling out the mouth to exhaling out of your nose only. Focus on moving the air along the back of your throat to maintain a gentle hissing sound, like that of mellow ocean waves.

The goal with Ujjayi breathing is to create slow, smooth breathing. Focus on pulling the breath deep into your diaphragm, filling your lungs, and then letting the breath hiss gently and completely out of you on each exhale. By giving all of your attention to this breathing exercise, stress will melt away, you mind will calm down and your body will be receiving a fresh dose of healing oxygen.

After 5 to 15 minutes, depending on your level of experience with Ujjayi, gradually return to normal breathing and then end in Savasana (“Corpse pose”).

Talk with your yoga instructor about deepening your Ujjayi breathing practice, or any other yoga breathing exercise you would like to master.

  • Benefits of Yoga
  • Yoga Styles
  • Postures
  • The Art of Breath
  • Progressing in Your Practice
  • Yoga Accessories
  • Yoga Resources
  • Newsletter Library

I AM READY - Let's Do This!

Take the next step and sign up TODAY! Commit to a consistent practice and experience the power of yoga. Invest in your wellbeing TODAY!

First Month of Unlimited Yoga - $49

Locations

Yoga Studio Satya Hours

We respect your time. All classes start on time and doors are locked when class is in session.

Primary Location

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

5:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

5:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

5:00 am-5:00 pm

Sunday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map