Ujjayi Pranayama – 24 Health Benefits, Easy to do technique and Contraindications

Ujjayi Pranayama is the basic form of pranayama

What does Ujjayi mean?

  • In Sanskrit, the prefix ‘ud’ means upwards or expanding. It also conveys the sense of pre-eminence and power
  • jaya means ”conquest,” or success, and from another point of view, restraint
  • prana means “life force”
  • Ayama is the “distribution” of that force or energy
  • In ujjayi the lungs are fully expanded, with the chest thrust out like that of a mighty conqueror

What is the objective of the Pranayama?

Pranayama is not just cycles of inhalation and exhalation, nor is it merely deep breathing.

The practice of pranayama goes beyond these to link our physiological and spiritual dimensions.

Benefits of Ujjayi Pranayama

  1. Relieves depression
  2. Boosts the confidence levels
  3. Alleviates heart disorders
  4. This Pranayama improves the voice quality and most helpful for professional singers
  5. Greatly Increases the concentration Levels
  6. Normalizes the blood pressure
  7. This pranayama is very helpful to relieve the thyroid related problems
  8. The most unique health benefit is relief from Sinus problems
  9. Ujjayi Pranayama helpful in boosting the immune system
  10. Invigorates the nervous system
  11. This pranayama improves the longevity as it slows the pace of the breath
  12. Relieves chronic headaches
  13. Relieves asthma
  14. Promotes sound sleep
  15. Helpful to control the high blood pressure
  16. Enhances the mental clarity and focus
  17. This pranayama cleanses the body 
  18. Refreshes and cleanses the nadis (subtle energy channels of the body)
  19. This pranayama increases the blood circulation
  20. Relieves heart related discomforts
  21. Infuses the mind body with fresh prana which is the vital life force
  22. Controls the snoring
  23. This Ujjayi Pranayama stimulates the body metabolism
  24. Soothes and rejuvenates the nervous system

Here is the video with instructions on the step by step technique to practice the Ujjayi Pranayama

How to do Ujjayi Pranayama

Here are the step by step instructions on how to do Ujjayi Pranayama

Beginners instructions

  1. While doing this Ujjayi Pranayama, make sure your spine, head and neck are straight
  2. Relax your face
  3. Do not constrict your nose
  4. Avoid jerks and hasty movements

Step 1

  • Spread a mat on the floor.
  • Place 2 foam blocks about 1 ft (30 cm) from the mat’s edge, the top one protruding over the right end of the lower one.
  • Place the wooden blocks on their long sides, one parallel to the foam blocks, and the other at right angles to the first.
  • Place a rolled blanket on the second wooden block.

Step 2

Now start inhaling after exhaling for a few seconds, this inhalation needs to be long, very slow and rhythmic and without jerks

Step 3

Then allow the air into your throat and you will start noticing a kind of friction sound

Step 4

Continue your inhalation until you feel fullness in your chest

Step 5

Try to hold your inhalation for 6 seconds

Step 6

Now, try to exhale as naturally as possible

Step 7

Then start taking normal breaths and relax

Contraindications and Cautions

  • Ujjayi Pranayama is not recommended for beginners.
  • Intermediates must practice with props.
  • Never swallow your saliva during or between inhalation and exhalation.
  • Swallow after a complete exhalation.
  • Do not practice if you have a severe backache or constipation.
  • Do not practice this pranayama if you are feeling tired, because exertion can be harmful for the lungs and the heart.
  • Do not practice strenuous yoga asanas after pranayama.
  • Before pranayama, practice a few reclining asanas to expand the abdominal cavity and the diaphragm.

All stages of this pranayama except those with retention (kumbhaka) may be done at any time. However, if the heart feels heavy, full or painful or the diaphragm is hard, and if you are agitated or the heart beat is abnormal, lie down after laying two wooden planks on the floor, (each about one foot square and one and a half inches thick) on top of each other.

Rest the back on the planks, with your buttocks below them and arms stretched downwards. You can also lie with a bolster. Keep the weight on the legs for comfort and relaxation. Two cushions may be used instead of planks. If the legs cannot be stretched out, because of infirmity or disease, bend the knees and rest the lower legs on a bolster or a stool.

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