How to Practice Ujjayi Breath in Yoga - Breathing Exercise

Summary

Rohini, 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.