Pranayama Technique

Ujjayi Breathing
The Ocean Breath

Master the "Victorious Breath" used in yoga for thousands of years. Build heat, find focus, and create a meditative flow.

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What is Ujjayi Breathing?

Ujjayi (pronounced oo-JAH-ee) means "victorious" in Sanskrit. This ancient pranayama technique is also called "Ocean Breath" because the sound created resembles waves rolling on a beach.

The technique involves slightly constricting the back of your throat while breathing through your nose. This creates a soft, audible sound and generates internal heat (tapas) that is central to many yoga practices, especially Ashtanga and Vinyasa.

Unlike some breathing techniques that are practiced separately, Ujjayi is designed to be maintained throughout an entire yoga practice, linking breath with movement and creating a meditative rhythm.

Benefits of Ujjayi Breathing

Why yogis have practiced this technique for thousands of years

Calms the nervous system

Builds internal heat for yoga

Improves focus and concentration

Reduces stress and anxiety

Enhances oxygen intake

Creates meditative awareness

Regulates blood pressure

Strengthens respiratory system

How to Practice Ujjayi Breathing

Follow these steps to master the Ocean Breath

Find Your Position

Sit comfortably with your spine straight. Close your eyes and relax your shoulders.

Practice the Sound

Open your mouth and exhale like you are fogging a mirror ("haaa"). Feel the throat constriction.

Close Your Mouth

Now close your mouth and create the same constriction while breathing through your nose only.

Inhale with Ocean Sound

Breathe in for 4-6 seconds through your nose, maintaining the throat constriction. Hear the ocean.

Exhale with Ocean Sound

Exhale for 4-6 seconds through your nose, same constriction. The sound should be consistent.

Continue & Flow

Keep breathing with equal inhales and exhales. Practice for 5-10 minutes or during yoga.

Tips for Beginners

Start with short sessions. Begin with 2-3 minutes and gradually increase as you get comfortable with the technique.

Don't force the sound. The ocean sound should be subtle and soothing, not loud or strained. If you feel tension, relax the constriction.

Keep your face relaxed. Only the throat should be gently engaged. Keep your jaw soft, face relaxed, and shoulders down.

Practice without yoga first. Master the breath sitting quietly before trying to maintain it during a yoga flow.

Practice Ujjayi with Guided Audio

The Vayu app guides you through Ujjayi breathing with visual cues and audio prompts. Perfect for building a consistent practice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ujjayi breathing?

Ujjayi breathing, also called "Ocean Breath" or "Victorious Breath," is a pranayama technique where you slightly constrict the back of your throat while breathing through the nose. This creates a soft, ocean-like sound and generates internal heat. It is commonly used in yoga, especially Ashtanga and Vinyasa practices.

How do you do Ujjayi breathing properly?

To do Ujjayi breathing: 1) Sit comfortably with a straight spine. 2) Breathe in through your nose. 3) Slightly constrict the back of your throat (like you are fogging a mirror). 4) Exhale through your nose maintaining the same throat constriction. 5) Create a soft, ocean-wave sound with each breath. 6) Keep breaths slow and even, typically 4-6 seconds per inhale and exhale.

What are the benefits of Ujjayi breathing?

Ujjayi breathing benefits include: calming the nervous system, building internal heat (useful in yoga), improving focus and concentration, reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing oxygen intake, creating a meditative state, regulating blood pressure, and strengthening the respiratory system.

When should you practice Ujjayi breathing?

Practice Ujjayi breathing during yoga (especially Ashtanga and Vinyasa), before meditation to center yourself, during stressful moments to calm down, when you need to focus, or anytime you want to connect breath with movement. Avoid practicing if you have low blood pressure, respiratory conditions, or are pregnant (consult a doctor first).