10.08.2009

Ujujayi vs. Normal Everyday Breath

Ujjayi, in the Iyengar system is "a type of pranayama in which the lungs are fully expanded and the chest is puffed out out like that of a proud conqueror"(Light on Pranayama).  I know in other systems, ujjayi breath incorporates a constriction around the glottis to make an ocean wave/Darth-Vader-esque hissing sound.  That is not the definition of which I am speaking.  I am sticking with the Iyengar definition.


Everyday -
  • Involuntary
  • uncontrolled 
  • unconcious breath
  • Uneven
  • silent
  • it just goes

Ujjayi-
  • Voluntary
  • controlled
  • concious breath
  • productive
  • moves prana
  • requires and produces a focused mind
  • rhythmic
  • concise
  • conscious enlargement of ribcage
  • slight intentional sound -the inhalation is a slight sibilant "sssssssssss" sound, and the exhalation is a slight whispering "hhhhhhhhhhhhhh" sound.
All stages of pranayama begin with an exhalation, the full cycle of breath ending at the top end of the pause following the top of the inhalation. 

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