Ujjayi (ocean breath)
The soft sea sound that keeps a flow on rhythm.
Ready
5 minutes
5:00
Stop and breathe normally if you feel dizzy.
What it is
A quiet whispering sound made by narrowing the back of the throat, in and out through the nose.
It gives a vinyasa or ashtanga practice its metronome, and it stops you rushing the poses.
How to do it
- 1Whisper 'haaa' with the mouth open, then close the mouth and keep the sound.
- 2Even length in and out, roughly five counts each.
- 3Loud enough for you to hear, not the room.
Before you start
- Keep it comfortable. Breath work should never feel like straining; shorten the counts before you force them.
- If your throat gets scratchy, soften the sound.
Try another
Ready to practise with a teacher? Live breathwork sessions and workshops.