Ujjayi
Ujjāyī / उज्जायी
Definition
A breath made with a slight narrowing at the throat, producing a soft ocean-like sound, most often used to pace movement in a posture practice.
Key points
- Ujjayi is made by slightly narrowing the throat, producing a soft continuous sound
- It is most often used during posture practice to keep breath and movement together
- It is described as warming, which places it in the context of Vata
What is ujjayi?
Ujjayi is made by narrowing the throat slightly as you breathe, which produces a soft, continuous sound. The usual comparison is to waves, and the name is sometimes rendered as victorious breath. Of all the pranayama techniques it is the one most people meet first, because it is the breath used throughout many styles of posture practice.
What the sound is for
It is tempting to treat the sound as decoration. It is closer to a metronome. Because the breath is audible, its length becomes measurable without counting, which keeps inhale and exhale even and makes it obvious the moment the breath is rushed or dropped. In a moving practice it is what holds breath and movement together.
Where it fits
Ujjayi is described as warming, which connects it to Vata, the cold and mobile dosha, and to states of restlessness or feeling scattered. In conditions where heat has already accumulated, the usual advice is not to sustain it for long stretches.
Alongside nadi shodhana, which is practised seated and still, ujjayi is the technique of practice in motion.
This entry introduces a traditional system of thought and general information. It does not guarantee any specific effect and is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any condition. For health concerns, please consult a qualified medical professional.
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is ujjayi breathing?
A breath made with a slight narrowing at the throat, which produces a soft continuous sound often compared to waves. It is sometimes translated as victorious breath.
Why does ujjayi make a sound?
The sound is the point. It makes the length of each breath audible, so the breath stays even and the attention keeps returning to it. That is why it is used to pace movement in a posture practice.
Is ujjayi warming or cooling?
It is described as warming, which places it in the context of [Vata](/en/term/vata/): coldness and restlessness. When heat has built up, teachers generally advise not sustaining it for long.