 |
 |
 |
 |
This is one of the most common pranayama done in yoga classes. When you hear people breathing loudly in your class, chances are they are just in the practice of Ujjayi breath! This is one of the most calming pranayama techniques. It can be done throughout an asana practice, as well as throughout your day. Sometimes you might hear this pranayama referred to as the Ocean Breath because it sounds like the ocean; or for those Star War’s fans…Darth Vadar breathing.
Sit in the easy pose, half, or full lotus posture. Rest the hands on the knees. You palms should be facing down. Begin breathing through the nose with a slight constriction at the base of your throat. It almost sounds like you are whispering an “ahhhh”, but your lips remain closed. Let the breath be very full and deep. This gentle sound is made on both the inhale and the exhale.
While breathing, allow the torso to expand and contract all the way down to the abdomen, following the rhythm of your breath. Bring your attention to the sound of the breath as well as the internal vibration it is creating. This pranayama is called Ocean breath because you can imagine the sound you are creating through the breathing as an ocean wave washing over you and filling you with prana. On the inhalation prana comes in, on the exhalation we are washing away any tension or pain as the breath leaves.
This pranayama is very calming. The slight restriction in the throat causes the abdomen to contract gently on exhalation and helps completely empty the lungs of air. This leaves a fresh space for new prana on the next inhalation. The sound Ujjayi breathing generates is very soothing and gives the mind an inward place to focus and rest.
