In Hinduism

Yoga (school of philosophy)

Source: Typepad: Mudras for Pranayama

Ujjayi literally means “Victorious Uprising”, which refers to the energetic expansion and movement of the breath energy, or prana. Ujjayi breathing has two distinct characteristics:

1. An action in the throat that produces the distinctive Ujjayi sound;
2. An effort to maintain evenness of flow of the breath from beginning to end of each breath – both on the inhale and exhale, breathing through the nose.

The Ujjayi sound is made by lightly constricting the back of the throat as if whispering the sound “haaaa” or as if creating fog on a mirror with your breath. The sound itself is not the point. It’s the gentle action at the back of the throat. The purpose of the Ujjayi sound is to attune your awareness to the breath; to it’s quality and texture. It gives a slight resistance to the breath and moves the effort into the primary breathing muscles of the diaphragm. This action helps develop the ability to breathe smoothly and continuously.

context information

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as āsanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

See also (Relevant definitions)

Starts with: Ujjayini.

Full-text: Chinmudra, Nadi Sodhana.

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Search found 1 books and stories containing Ujjayi; (plurals include: Ujjayis). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Jainism and Patanjali Yoga (Comparative Study) (by Deepak bagadia)

Part 4.4 - Yogic techniques for control of Vrttis (2): Astangayoga < [Chapter 2 - Yoga philosophy and practices]

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