What is Ujjayi Pranayama?

The word Ujjayi Pranayama comes from the Sanskrit language. In English, it is called Ocean breath. It means ‘victorious’ and is derived from the Sanskrit word Ujji, which means to attain a higher level. 

Ujjayi Pranayama is also called triumph over decay and death. It is because it deeply works on the physical, pranic, and mental bodies. Hatha Yoga Pradipika defines Ujjayi as:-

“Poorvakta Kumbhaka yet pranam, rechaye didya tat; Slesham doshharam kanthe dehanal vivardhanam.”

Ujjayi Pranayama is a practice of breath retention and exhalation through Ida (left nostril). It helps remove phlegm from the throat and stimulates digestive fires.

How to practice Ujjayi?

Yoga for beginners practice Ujjayi Pranayama in any comfortable Asana, such as Sukhasana, Siddhasana, or Lotus pose. The body is straight in these poses, allowing proper respiration through the nasal passage.

• Maintain steadiness in a comfortable pose for some time. It is essential before practising Ujjayi.
• Be aware of the Prana available, the natural breathing system, and feel air passing down to the heart through the windpipe.
• Slightly contract the throat region during Pooraka, and practising the ‘SO’ sound is recommended while breathing in.
• Exhale through the left nostril with the sound of ‘HUM,’ which would produce a light snoring sound. This sound should be generated from the throat, not from the mouth.
• After holding Prana in the lungs, practice Jalandhar Bandha to activate the thyroid gland. To do this, drop the chin towards the chest.
• Prana should not move downwards towards the heart during the retention of breath.
• It is basically for the safety of the thoracic area. In this practice, Prana works from the throat to the heart.
• There is a long, deep exhalation to release more CO2 from the body, so the lungs detoxify. Therefore, it is highly advisable to practice deep exhalation during the practice.

Benefits of Oceant Breath

• Ujjayi Pranayama is highly advisable for patients with Insomnia and thyroid disorders.
• It is excellent for releasing tension and curing mental disorders.
• It lengthens the breath and increases lung capacity with high quality.
• Ujjayi is one of the most effective pranayamas for thyroid disorders and other throat problems.
• It strengthens the heart and lungs. It is very effective for the Diapraghm muscle.
• Ujjayi has done tremendous work on activating the Vishudi and Anahata chakras.
• It is so powerful that it balances and stabilizes the body and profoundly impacts the physical body.
• Ujjayi Pranayama is similar to Surya Bhedi Pranayama and is superb for those with a cough, sinus, and allergy problems.
• It stimulates the vagus nerve and calms the mind, helping decrease stress.
• It is beneficial for snoring problems and helps people sleep deeply.
• It activates Jathragini or digestive fire. It is so effective for having a good appetite as well.
• Ujjayi is very good for those who have stammering and lisp problems.

Contraindications of Ujjayi

• Ujjayi Pranayama should not be practised at a fast pace if there is any heart problem.
• In the case of low blood pressure, it should not be practised.
• Practice it with an empty stomach or 4-5 hours after the meal.
• In case of any headache or dizziness, do not attempt Ujjayi pranayama immediately.
• Do not force yourself, especially if the physical body is not well or has some medical issues.
• Ujjayi pranayama should be practised peacefully. Yoga Nidra is one of the best medium to attain serenity.
• One should follow up on the practice of Bhastrika and Nadi Shodhan Pranayamas before attempting Ujjayi.

The best time to practice Oceant Breath

• Brahma muhurta or before sunrise. It is an ideal time to practise Ujjayi pranayama.
• At sunset, after 5-6 hours of a meal. It must be practised after Kapalbhati.