Ujjayi Pranayama, also called Victorious Breath (as in victory over death and disease) or Ocean Sounding Breath, is a slow Abdominal Breathing technique that involves experiencing the sound and sensation of the breath touching the throat.
This Yogic Pranayama can increase inner heat, Prana flow, vitality, focus, and concentration. Additionally, it calms down and relaxes body and mind.
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Although Ujjayi Pranayama can be done on its own, it’s also a breathing technique that’s often used in Yoga classes to synchronize Asanas (Yoga postures) with one’s breath, or alternatively used in Yogic transitions, movements, or in Bandhas.
Inhalations and exhalations are commonly of equal length (4:4 count ratio), while being performed slowly, deeply, fully, and controlled. You will typically take only four to six breaths per minute, a rate which may also depend on the optional inclusion of Breath Retention moments between inhale and exhale.
Ujjayi Pranayama is actually done through the nose (with a gentle constriction of the throat), but it’s often advised to start practicing it by breathing through the mouth to get the hang of making the throat sound. As a stand-alone breathing modality it can be practiced for about ten to twenty minutes.
