Asana April 2022: Pranayama (Breathing) – Ujjayi Pranayama (Ocean Breath)

Happy Asana April 5, 2022 – Ujjayi Pranayama (Ocean Breath)

Good morning Yogis! Today is Pranayama Day in a special Asana-focused April! Today we will be revisiting Ujjayi (oo-JAW-yee) Pranayama. This is literally translated from Sanskrit as Victorious Breath, but is commonly referred to as Ocean Breath due to the sound of this technique. This is another great cooling and calming breathing technique, and is ideal during Asana practice. You may have learned this in Yoga class before, especially if you have attended a Hot Yoga class.

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for April! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For today, I recommend a Hot Yoga or Bikram Series.

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing one of my favorites – Intermediate Flexibility (30 Minutes).

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is trying Ujjayi Pranayama or Ocean Breathing. I recommend trying this with the Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutations from yesterday’s practice or a Hot Yoga or Bikram Series.

Ujjayi Pranayama – Ocean Breath

Start with Diaphragmatic Breathing for 3 full inhales and exhales.

Open your mouth and inhale and exhale through your mouth. Contract your throat to slightly say “HA” on the exhales. Keep this light contraction in your throat so you slightly say “SA” on the inhales. You will start noticing the ocean sound from which this technique gets its name.

Now, close your mouth. Inhale and exhale through your nose, while keeping this contraction in your throat to keep the ocean sound continuing on both inhales and exhales. As you become comfortable with this breathing technique, try your Asana practice with this Ujjayi Pranayama.

Want more on Pranayama? Check out our Pranayama Guide!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

• Pranayama – Breathing – Day 4 – 2021 – Ujjayi Pranayama – Ocean Breath
• Pranayama – Breathing – Day 10 – 2021 – Ujjayi Pranayama – Ocean Breath
• February 2022 – Pranayama (Breathing): Ujjayi Pranayama (Ocean Breath)
• Pranayama (Breathing) – September 2021 Day 1: Ujjayi Pranayama – Ocean Breath
• September 2022: Pranayama (Breathing) – Ujjayi Pranayama – Ocean Breath

Share your Practice

Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Ujjayi Pranayama exercise! Have you ever tried this technique as a standalone or during your Asana practice? Always remember, be kind!