Psychic Breathing

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Ujjayi

Mukham Sanyam Nadibhyamakrishyum Pawanam Shanaiha,
Yatha Lagati Kudattu Hridyavadhi Sasvanam.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika – 2:51

Closing the mouth, inhale with control and concentration through ida and pindala, so that the breath is felt from the throat to the heart and produces a sonorous sound that is a part of ujjayi pranayama .

However before you know about the techniques of ujjayi pranayama first you need to know what ujjayi pranayama is all about. Ujjayi is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘ujj’, meaning ‘to conquer’ or ‘to acquire by conquest’. In English it means ‘psychic breathing’, also called hissing or ocean breath. With regular practice of ujjayi pranayama, one can conquer the turbulent mind and acquire control over its modifications.

The primary focus of this practice of ujjayi pranayama is throat (glottis) which is the psychic location of Vishuddhi chakra. Ujjayi pranayama is often practiced in Mantra Yoga practices and advanced Kundalini Yoga practices. Therefore it is essential to first purify the body and mind and then attempt ujjayi pranayama.

Techniques of Ujjayi Pranayama: Facts to Know

• Sit straight in a comfortable meditative posture when you are practicing ujjayi pranayama.
• Keep the spine straight when you practice ujjayi pranayama.
• Become aware of the breath in the throat
• Once the awareness is created pull the glottis (of the throat)
• And create a soft snoring sound like a sleeping baby
• Breathing should be slow and deep while doing ujjayi pranayama.
• Sound of the breath should only be audible to you and no one else
• Practice for 5-10 minutes initially

Contraindications of Ujjayi Pranayama: Facts to Know

• Introvert personalities should avoid doing ujjayi pranayama.
• Heart patients should seek expert guidance

Benefits of Ujjayi Pranayama: Facts to Know

• Ujjayi pranayama tranquilizes the mind
• Soothes and relaxes the nervous system
• Has a heating effect on the body
• Good for sleeping disorders
• Reduces water retention in the body.