Ujjayi Pranayama

The term 'Ud' would mean superiority in rank or upwards. It would also mean blowing or expanding. It indicates power. The term 'Jaya' would mean victory or triumph. Another angle of thought would mean curbing or restraining. Ujjayi Pranayama is the breathing wherein the lungs are fully expanded and the chest emerged out.

An important fact is that this is the only Pranayama that can be done at any part of the day or night.

Position For Ujjayi Pranayama

1.Sit in a comfortable position as in Padmasana , Siddhasana or Virasana. Straighten your back and keep it erect. Lower the head to the trunk having the chin in the notch between the collar bones.(This positioning is Jalandhar Bandha

2.Stretch the arms and have the back of the wrist on the knees. Join the tips of the index fingers and the thumbs having the other fingers extended. This is Jnana Mudra

3.Close the eyes and exhale.

Ujjayi Pranayama

1.Take a slow, but a deep and a steady breath through both the nostrils. The passage of the incoming air should be felt on the top of palate bringing about a sibilant sound, or the 'Sa' sound which should be audible.