UJJAYI PRAMAYAMA
(Victorious Breath)
Ujjayi is a Sanskrit word means which means ‘Victorious’ ujji is the root which means ‘to conquer’ or ‘acquire by conquest’. The practice of Ujjayi Pranayama is so simple that it can be done anywhere and in any position. It is the only breathing practice which can be peformed while sitting, standing and lying down.
Ujjayi is often used in combination with mantra recitation, i.e., Japa on your guru mantra or `soham', `hamso'. It is used in meditation practices, kriya yoga and yoga nidra as it helps relax the physical body, mind and develops awareness of the subtle body and psychic sensitivity. In Ujjayi retention (Kumbhaka) is omitted and Ujjayi is performed through both the nostrils with natural inhalation and exhalation.
Technique: Sit in comfortable meditative pose or lie in shavasana.
Make yourself aware with the natural breathing and feel the air of our breath which is passing through the wind pipe.
Ujjayi involves closure of the glottis. Both, while inhaling and exhaling for the closure of the glottis, you have to tighten your throat region slightly as you do when you swallow.
Inhalation and exhalation are done through the nose, but there is a partial contraction of the glottis which produces a light snoring sound. Be careful that sound should come from the throat only and not from the nose.
Now inhale exhale long, deep and controlled breath.
Practice breathing and concentrate on the sound. And continue as long as you can by maintaining full awareness.
NOTE: Simple ujjayi is done with jap or recitation of soham as you breath in and feel the breath move up the spine, mentally repeat it `so’, and as you exhale and feel the breath move down the spine, mentally repeat `ham’.
Benefits of Ujjayi Pranayama:
· Ujjayi is especially recommended for people who have insomnia, mental tension, and migraine.
· It aerates the lungs, removes phlegm, gives endurance, soothes the nerves and tones the entire system and eases diseases of the lungs, chest and throat.
· Helps reduce the risk of diseases caused by accumulation of bile, wind or phlegm and helps alleviate indigestion and irregular bowel movements.
· It stimulates the thyroid gland. Clears the lungs and nasal cavity and strengthens the vocal cord.
Precaution:
Avoid it if you are suffering from cardiac problems.
Disclaimer:
Please take note that the effects of UJJAYI PRAMAYAMA may vary from person to person. The above benefits are a guideline as it has been observed by many practitioners. The exercises mentioned herein are not meant to replace any medical advice, medication, therapy that you may be getting or may have been advised by your physician.
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