Ujjayi Breath

We use a technique of breath control in yoga called ujjayi.  We actually use a lot of different techniques, but today we are going to talk a bit about ujjayi.  This is a rather easy one to grasp.  Breath as you normally would.  Now start to deepen the inhale and lengthen the exhale as well.  Now with this slower more controlled breath, constrict the back of your throat a bit.  Just a tad, say 5-10%.   This will cause a noise to occur with the inhale and exhale that sounds a bit like the ocean waves.  Nice, calm and slow.  Basically only you can hear this noise, let's not go crazy with the the noise.  Your neighbor should not be able to hear your ujjayi breath noise, you are not an angry darth vador.  

Ujjayi breath is useful in most yoga.  It helps you control the breath and focus on breath.  Which is of the utmost importance in all asana practice.  Breath then foundation.  If you don't have the breath, you cannot build a good foundation.  Use your abilty to maintain a good strong steady breath to carry you throught the asana practice.  If you cannot "catch your breath" in yoga, take a child's pose or a down dog until you have regained your composure.  Pushing through may work for crossfit, but that's not what yoga is about.

Leading expert in yoga anatomy, Leslie Kaminoff has a great little video helping us to understand this breath a bit more, take a look by clicking below.  
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