Ujjayi is a breathing technique used in Hindu practices. It is often called the "ocean breath" because of the sound produced during this exercise. You slightly restrict your throat opening when performing ujjayi so the air passing through encounters resistance. This results in a soothing, melodious sound that some compare to ocean waves crashing on the shore. Tim Miller, Ashtanga yoga expert and instructor, advises not forcing the ocean sound. He says the key to ujjayi is relaxation.
Step 1
Practice ujjayi in a comfortable, cross-legged sitting position.
Step 2
Inhale and exhale through your mouth. Think of filling your lower stomach with the breath. Then imagine it rising to your lower ribcage, into your upper chest and through your throat.
Step 3
Make a gentle "ha" sound as you breathe. Restrict your throat slightly. Think of fogging up a glass or mirror with your breath or mimicking Darth Vader. Practice producing this sound on the in and out breath.
Step 4
Close your mouth. Inhale and exhale through your nose. Continue making the same sound as you did when your mouth was open. This is the Hindu breathing exercise.
