Ujjayi Pranayama

Closing the mouth, one should slowly draw in air through both the nostrils, producing a sound in such a way that its touch is felt from the throat to the chest. After performing Kumbhaka as before, air is exhaled through the left nostril. This removes the throat diseases caused by phlegm and increases the gastric fire.


Note:- The above verse refering 'Uiiayi Pranayama' is from old Hatha Yoga text, wherein the technique of Pranayama with Kumbhaka has been described. For the convenience of the beginner the technique of easy Ujjayi Pranayama without Kumbhaka is being described.

Technique :-
  1. Sit erect in any comfortable posture. Keep spine erect.

  2. Inhale, slowly drawing air by both the nostrils in such a way that while inhaling the touch of air is experienced in the throat and some sound is produced.

  3. During inhalation do not allow abdomen to bulge out, let the chest expand.

  4. After completing inhalation slowly exhale. During exhalation chest should go inside and abdomen should remain steady.
Remember :-
  1. While doing Ujjiayi air should touch the throat.

  2. Do not let abdomen to bulge out.

  3. After practising it for few days, knowing your limitations, keep the ratio between inhalation and exhalation 1 : 2.

  4. In easy Ujjiayi Pranayama, inhalation and exhalation can be practised by both the nostrils.