A slow-paced breathing exercise, it can be practised even while exercising
Like any other breathing technique performed in yoga, Ujjayi breathing is called 'ocean breathing', which is highly helpful in calming the mind and the soul. A form of pranayama, but unlike the others, ujjayi breath is traditionally performed with asana practice, wherein inhalation and exhalation are both done through the nose.
Ujjayi breathing is a technique that allows the body to calm the mind by focusing on the breath. Such breathing technique is helpful in cases of anxiety as it helps overpower the thoughts that would distract the mind.
How to perform Ujjayi breathing
Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and seal your lips. Then, start to breathe in and out through your nostrils while keeping the lips sealed.
The key is to take deeper inhalation through the nose that is slightly deeper than your usual breathing. Then, after inhaling deeply, exhale slowly through your nose. When you exhale, slowly pay attention to the constricting muscles in the back of the throat.
When breathing with lips sealed, this generates heat in the body, since though the air is passing through your nostrils while the lips are sealed, this puts emphasis on the throat.
The benefits of Ujjayi breathing
According to studies, it has been proven that Ujjayi breathing helps bring calm to the entire nervous system as it helps release stress, irritation, and frustration.
For people suffering from anxiety, performing Ujjayi yoga slows down the breath's pace, which is also said to improve longevity. In simple terms, deep inhaling and slow exhaling bring slow and rhythmic breathing in the body, which is helpful in calming the nerves.
Also, at times of frustration or absolute anger, start to perform Ujjayi breathing. It will help calm the mind and subside the anger a bit. It helps balance the mind. So next time you are stressed or aggravated by something, do ujjayi breathing and see the changes.
With its great effect in bringing the anxiety down, it has a positive return effect on clearing the mind. So often, in a state of stress, agitation, or anxiousness, one cannot think straight, but once you do ujjayi deep breathing, it clears the mind and helps make better decisions.
While exercising or practising other forms of yoga, keeping your breathing in sync with the ujjayi breathing technique improves respiratory efficiency.
