| Ujjayi Yoga Pranayama, or the victorious breath, is | | | | As I mentioned above, one of the best parts of this |
| another breathing technique worth having tucked | | | | breathing technique is that you can practice it in any |
| away in your toolbox of valuable yoga exercises for | | | | position. You are welcome to do Ujjayi Pranayama, |
| optimum living. Anytime you find that you can't sleep, | | | | sitting, standing, lying down or even while taking a walk. |
| need to relax, regain your health, get a dose of joy or | | | | * Start by taking five long, deep, slow breaths to help |
| prepare your mind for meditation, you can pull out this | | | | relax you. |
| amazing technique and enjoy it's wide ranging benefits. | | | | * Close your eyes if you like. Do close them if you |
| This Pranayama is an integral part of Hatha Yoga and | | | | can't sleep and are going to use this breathing |
| is widely used by many different schools of yoga. The | | | | technique to help you conquer insomnia. |
| great thing about Ujjayi Yoga Pranayama is that you | | | | * Now comes the slightly tricky part. You can going to |
| can practice it anytime and in any position, but the | | | | constrict the throat muscles slightly and visualize as if |
| tricky part is that, although it is a very simple technique, | | | | you are breathing through a hole in your throat. This |
| it is a little bit difficult to describe in words. Nevertheless, | | | | slight constriction and visualization should lead to the air |
| I will try to explain it the best way possible and am | | | | making a soft oceanic sound as it passes through your |
| sure soon enough it will become a part of your yoga | | | | throat region. The sound should be that of the distant |
| knowledge and spiritual practice. | | | | ocean surf. Steady and soft as you inhale and also, |
| Below are the bountiful benefits of this breathing | | | | steady and soft as you exhale. Pretend as if you are |
| technique, followed by step-by-step instructions on | | | | breathing not through your nose, but your throat |
| how to practice this pranayama. | | | | instead. |
| Benefits of Ujjayi Pranayama: | | | | * Continue to breathe in this way and allow you entire |
| * Relaxes the mind and calms the entire organism | | | | mind and body to be consumed by this pleasant sound. |
| down. | | | | Find a nice slow rhythm and lose yourself to it. |
| * Promotes a sense of joy and peace. | | | | * Continue on for as long as you like, or until you fall |
| * Prepares the mind for meditation. | | | | asleep. |
| * Rebalanced the internal systems, helps the body | | | | Summary: |
| regain it's equilibrium and promotes longevity. | | | | Remember the key to this technique is the soft sound |
| * Excellent technique for those who can't sleep and | | | | you are creating with the air passing through your |
| helps treat insomnia. | | | | throat. It is like the very soft snoring of a sleeping baby, |
| * Helps lower blood pressure. | | | | and hopefully that is how it will help you sleep as well. |
| Instructions for Ujjayi Breathing Technique: | | | | |