Ujjayi Pranayama — The Ocean’s Breath

Ujjayi Pranayama, also known as Ocean Breath or Victorious Breath, is often taught in Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga classes. This technique creates a soft, soothing vibration in the throat through gentle engagement of the epiglottis, producing that familiar wave-like sound that anchors the flow of practice.

It’s one of my favorite breathwork techniques — within minutes, I feel a deep sense of calm and a noticeable shift in my energy. Ujjayi can be practiced throughout a yoga class to connect breath with movement, or on its own as a powerful morning ritual or a grounding preparation for meditation.

It’s truly a breath that transforms your inner landscape — awakening focus, balance, and peace.
Here’s a simple tutorial to help you learn how to breathe victoriously! 🌬️

🌬️ How to Practice Ujjayi

Find a comfortable sitting position with your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Take a few natural breaths to settle in and bring awareness inward.

Step 1: Connect with Your Natural Breath

Inhale gently through the nose, allowing the chest to expand.
Exhale fully, softening through the shoulders and face.

Step 2: Create the Sound

On your next exhale, open your mouth and make a soft “HAAAAA” sound — as if you’re fogging up a mirror.
Feel that gentle vibration in the back of your throat.
This is the foundation of Ujjayi breath.

Step 3: Close the Mouth, Keep the Sensation

Now close your mouth and inhale through the nose, maintaining that same slight constriction at the back of the throat.
Exhale through the nose — still keeping the gentle “HAAAA” sound, but now entirely through the nose.

The breath should sound like a soft ocean wave — steady, soothing, and rhythmic.

Step 4: Practice for 2–5 Minutes

Continue this breathing for a few minutes.
When you’re finished, rest in a seated or lying meditation, returning to your natural breath.

Ujjayi prepares the mind for meditation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing the body to relax and the mind to settle into stillness with more ease.

Tips to Become a Master of Ujjayi Breath

• Keep the sound soft and steady. You should hear it clearly, but it shouldn’t strain your throat.

• Equal length. Try matching your inhale and exhale counts (start with 3 counts in, 3 counts out).

• Stay relaxed. If you feel tension in your throat or face, ease off the constriction slightly.

• Practice consistency. Even 2–3 minutes of Ujjayi can shift your energy and calm your mind.

• Integrate it into movement. Use this breath during yoga to link body and mind — or practice it on its own as a grounding morning ritual or a pre-meditation reset.