How to Practice Ujjayi Breath in Yoga - Breathing Exercise

VENTUNO YOGA

19 Jul 201601:53

Summary

TLDRRohini, the owner and teacher of Chennai Yoga Studio, introduces Ujjayi breathing, the foundational technique of Ashtanga yoga. Known as the 'Breath of Fire,' it generates internal heat, enhancing flexibility and deepening postures. Unlike other styles, Ashtanga integrates this breathing throughout the asana practice. To perform Ujjayi, one should constrict the throat slightly while inhaling and exhaling, creating a soft, ocean-like sound. Maintaining this breathing pattern helps in steadying the practice, allowing for longer holds without muscle quiver or a wandering mind.

Takeaways

🧘‍♀️ Rohini is the owner and teacher of Chennai yoga studio and introduces a specific breathing technique.
🌬️ The technique is called 'ujjayi breathing', which is the primary foundation of the Ashtanga style of yoga.
🔥 Ujjayi breathing is also known as the 'Breath of Fire' in English, implying it generates heat from within the body.
🌡️ This breathing method aids in increasing flexibility and allows for deeper penetration into the yoga postures.
🕒 In other yoga styles, pranayama is limited to before or after the practice, but in Ashtanga, it is integral throughout.
📣 The sound of ujjayi breathing is described as a soft snoring or the sound of the ocean, indicating a controlled breath.
👄 The technique involves breathing through a constricted throat while keeping the mouth closed.
🤔 To practice, one should imagine blowing air out as if to fog up a glass, but without opening the mouth.
🧘‍♂️ Maintaining ujjayi breathing throughout the asana practice can help in holding poses longer without muscle quivering.
🧘‍♀️ It also aids in maintaining mental focus and steadiness during the yoga practice.
💡 The introduction of ujjayi breathing is intended to enhance the overall steadiness of one's yoga practice.

Q & A

What is the name of the person introducing the breathing technique?
-Rohini.
What is Rohini's role at the Chennai yoga studio?
-Rohini is the owner and teacher at the Chennai yoga studio.
What style of breathing is Rohini introducing in the script?
-Rohini is introducing the ujjayi breathing technique.
What is another name for ujjayi breathing in English?
-In English, ujjayi breathing is also called the Breath of Fire.
What is the primary foundation of the Ashtanga style of yoga practice according to the script?
-The primary foundation of the Ashtanga style of yoga practice is ujjayi breathing.
How does ujjayi breathing help in yoga practice according to Rohini?
-Ujjayi breathing helps build heat from within, making practitioners more flexible and allowing them to get deeper into postures.
How is pranayama typically used in other styles of yoga, as mentioned in the script?
-In other styles of yoga, pranayama is usually restricted to five minutes before or after the practice.
How is ujjayi breathing different in the Ashtanga style compared to other styles?
-In the Ashtanga style, ujjayi breathing is practiced throughout the entire asana practice, not just before or after.
What does Rohini suggest to visualize while practicing ujjayi breathing?
-Rohini suggests visualizing a glass in front of you and trying to fog it up with your breath to practice ujjayi breathing.
What sound does ujjayi breathing produce when done correctly?
-When done correctly, ujjayi breathing produces a soft, ocean-like sound.
What benefits can be expected from maintaining ujjayi breathing throughout the practice, as per Rohini?
-Maintaining ujjayi breathing throughout the practice can help hold postures longer without muscle quivering and keep the mind focused and steady.

Outlines

00:00

🧘 Introduction to Ujjayi Breathing

Rohini, the owner and teacher of Chennai yoga studio, introduces Ujjayi breathing, the fundamental breathing technique in Ashtanga yoga. Also known as 'Breath of Fire,' it generates internal heat, enhancing flexibility and deepening postures. Unlike other yoga styles where pranayama is limited to the beginning or end of practice, Ashtanga integrates it throughout the asana practice. The technique involves a constricted throat breath that resembles a soft snoring or ocean sound, which, when maintained, can lead to steadier and more focused practice without muscle quivering or a wandering mind.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Ujjayi Breathing

Ujjayi Breathing, also known as 'victorious breath,' is a technique used in yoga to control the breath, creating a warm and calming effect on the body. In the script, it is highlighted as the primary foundation of the Ashtanga style of yoga practice, emphasizing its importance in building heat from within and enhancing flexibility. The script describes the sound it produces as similar to a 'soft snoring sound,' which is achieved by creating a constriction in the throat while breathing in and out.

💡Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is a vigorous and structured style of yoga that involves a series of postures linked with breath. The script mentions it as the context in which Ujjayi Breathing is the primary foundation, indicating that this breathing technique is integral to the practice. Ashtanga Yoga is characterized by its dynamic sequences and the continuous practice of Ujjayi Breathing throughout the asana practice.

💡Breath of Fire

The term 'Breath of Fire' is an English translation of the Sanskrit term 'Surya Bheda Pranayama,' which is a specific type of rapid, forceful breathing technique. In the script, it is used to describe Ujjayi Breathing, suggesting that this style of breathing can generate internal heat, contributing to the flexibility and depth of the yoga postures.

💡Pranayama

Pranayama refers to the practice of breath control in yoga, which is believed to balance the life force or 'prana' within the body. The script explains that while in some yoga styles pranayama is limited to before or after the practice, in Ashtanga Yoga, it is practiced throughout the entire asana session, highlighting its significance in the overall yoga practice.

💡Flexibility

Flexibility in the context of yoga refers to the ability of muscles and joints to move through a full range of motion without strain. The script mentions that Ujjayi Breathing helps practitioners become more flexible, which is essential for performing yoga postures with ease and grace.

💡Posture

In yoga, a 'posture' or 'asana' is a specific body position intended to improve physical and mental well-being. The script discusses how Ujjayi Breathing can help practitioners get deeper into the postures, suggesting that proper breathing can enhance the effectiveness of the asanas.

💡Constriction

Constriction in the context of Ujjayi Breathing refers to the slight narrowing of the throat that occurs when practicing this technique. The script describes how this constriction creates the characteristic sound of Ujjayi Breathing, which is likened to the soft sound of the ocean.

💡Muscle Quivering

Muscle quivering is a common experience during yoga practice when muscles are fatigued or holding a posture for an extended period. The script suggests that maintaining Ujjayi Breathing throughout the practice can help reduce muscle quivering, allowing for steadier and more sustained postures.

💡Mind Wandering

Mind wandering refers to the tendency of the mind to become distracted or to think about things other than the present moment. The script implies that Ujjayi Breathing can help keep the mind focused during the yoga practice, preventing it from darting about everywhere.

💡Steady Practice

A steady practice in yoga implies maintaining focus, balance, and consistency throughout the session. The script indicates that Ujjayi Breathing contributes to a steadier practice by helping to sustain postures longer and keep the mind from wandering.

Highlights

Introduction to Ujjayi breathing technique by Rohini, owner and teacher of Chennai yoga studio.

Ujjayi breathing is the primary foundation of the Ashtanga style of yoga practice.

Also known as the Breath of Fire, Ujjayi breathing builds heat from within.

This technique aids in increased flexibility and deeper postures in yoga.

In Ashtanga, pranayama is practiced throughout the asana practice, not just before or after.

Ujjayi breathing creates a sound similar to soft snoring.

The technique involves a constriction in the throat while breathing out.

Breathing should be done with the mouth closed to achieve the Ujjayi sound.

The sound of Ujjayi breathing is compared to the soft sound of the ocean.

Maintaining Ujjayi breathing throughout practice can increase breath and mind steadiness.

Ujjayi breathing can help hold postures longer without muscle quivering.

The mind becomes less distracted when practicing Ujjayi breathing consistently.

Ujjayi breathing is integral to the Ashtanga yoga practice for its physical and mental benefits.

The technique is characterized by a specific sound and sensation in the throat.

Proper execution of Ujjayi breathing is crucial for its effectiveness in yoga practice.

Ujjayi breathing can enhance the overall experience and benefits of yoga sessions.

Rohini emphasizes the importance of Ujjayi breathing in achieving a steady yoga practice.