Class 4 – Ujjayi Breath
Ujjayi (ooo-JAI-yee) is the main breath used in asana practice. Ujjayi means “victorious” or “victory breath”. It creates heat in the body to help warm it up, it has cleansing properties and it creates a soft sound that helps to focus the mind. It is done by gently constricting the muscles of the throat while breathing in and out of the nose. It creates a sound that some describe as similar to the sound of the ocean and others to Darth Vader. It is especially helpful to utilize this breath while practicing sun salutations and any time you feel the mind starting to wander off. It helps to remove phlegm, builds endurance, soothes the nerves and tones the entire system.