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Just breathe
Ujjayi. From the moment that I deciphered this word that my yoga instructor repeats in class, I become intrigued by it. Ujjayi breath is a deep breathing technique that adds rhythm, stability, and energy to the yoga practice while giving the body oxygen and ridding it of toxins. Also referred to as “ocean breath,” the Ujjayi is balancing and calming, helping you stay grounded throughout each pose transition.
Ujjayi breath is inhaled and exhaled through the nose. I like to think of it as filling up a deep balloon. The breath begins by filling up the stomach, and then rises to the rib cage. Finally, it pushes up through the chest and throat, and out through the nose. The duration of the breath is personal, controlled by the strength of your diaphragm. Like much else, practice makes perfect—the more you can use Ujjayi in yoga practice, the stronger your diaphragm and breath will become.
Ujjayi can be best when audible. As it flows in and out of the nose, it creates a sound akin to ocean waves rolling to and fro the shore, hence “ocean breath.” Think Darth Vader, but perhaps a healthier, happier, and more relaxed Darth Vader…in Buddha pose on a yoga mat.
Not only do I like what the Ujjayi breath adds to my yoga practice, but I simply enjoy saying it. Like the breathing technique it promotes, it sounds strong, inspiring, and thoughtful as it leaves the tongue.
Tags: Align Pilates Yoga, ocean breath, Ujjayi breath, yoga, yoga practice