Ujjayi Pranayama : Breathing for Vitality

Ujjayi Pranayama unlocks the power of breath

More popularly the term Ujjayi Pranayama is known as 'Ocean Breath' or 'Victorious Breath'. This is system of yoga that frees your body from toxins and helps you take sufficient amount of oxygen to build vitality in the body. It is one of the most popular methods of yoga used to cure all threat related problems. For patients of Thyroid it is extremely beneficial. Ujjayi pranayama removes phlegm, provides endurance and has toning effect on the the entire system. It is ideal for persons suffering from high blood pressure and coronary trouble.

What is the technique?

Ujjayi breath is also known as a diaphragmatic breath. In a normal breathing, diaphragm flexes but not the rib cage. While in this form of deep breathing you inhale more oxygen. Lower belly should expand while you are practicing Ujjai yoga and this also activates the first and second chakras. After that the breath should rise to the lower rib cage where it activates the third and fourth chakra. And in the final stage the air moves to the upper chest and throat and it comes out of the body from the nose..Ujjayi stretches the breath, warms it before entering into the lungs and this warmth unlocks the powerful healing process.

Air can absorb certain things and it has also force and power to carry things such as dust particles and even heavier things. When external pressure is applied the inner penetration increases which gives inner massage to the internal organs.

The most important aspect of Ujjayi Pranayama is the sound.Other styles of yoga practice emphasize a loud Ujjayi sound. In other popular form of yoga Svaroopa yoga slowing and quieting of the breath as described in the Vijnana Bhairava is regarded very important.

Practicing Ujjayi Pranayama: Ujjayi technique for beginners

First of all your mind and body should be relaxed and sit in a comfortable position. Then take a long making the breath longer and thinner. At last you should exhale very slowly. Repeat this process three times daily. This is quite a simple process and is more suitable for beginners. Beginners should exhale with both nostrils. After few days they should start Jalandhar Bandha and Kumbhaka. It should be performed under supervision of experienced yoga teacher. In order to be a really practice Ujjayi yoga three more steps are added. Read this line carefully:

-Once you breathing inside process is over with contraction in the throat then to touch your chin to the upper side of chest (Jalandhar Bandha).

1. Hold the breath inside for maximum 10 seconds. This is very similar to Kumbhak
2. Exhale out slowly with left nostril, by closing right nostril with your right hand thumb. Exhale must be done by left nostril only. This is complete process of Ujjayi.
3. It should be practiced for 3 times at the start of the process as your practice increases the frequency can be increased an it can be done 11 times Another popular form is 'Pratiloma Ujjayi'.

Benefits of Ujjayi Pranayama

It has tremendous healing effect ohm Thyroid related problem and also controls snoring. It is very useful for other throat related problem such as Tonsil. Patients have also relief in Asthama and cold. The warmth of the head is reduced, and lung diseases like asthma, tuberculosis etc. is cured. It enhances the capacity of digestive systems, respiratory systems etc.

Ujjayi breathing is a breathing technique in which both inhalation and exhalation are done through the nose. A Breathing technique is called Pranayama in Yogic terms and this particular technique is also called "the ocean breath". Unlike other yogic breathing techniques, Ujjayi pranayama is done in association with other yoga poses.