Yoga-Meditations

In the traditional texts, there is mention of more than 70 types of Pranayama and among these wide varieties of Pranayama, an important one is Ujjayi Pranayama. The suffix “jaya” means Success or Victory while the prefix “uj” means upward or expanding thus implying that the lungs of the practitioner of Ujjayi Pranayama is expanded like a victorious conqueror; it is described as archetypal yoga in the Ashtanga yoga and is believed to control vital air that is Prana. Prior to Ujjayi yoga, “Kumbaka” is considered necessary, following which “Pooraka” and ‘Rechaka” are performed: These three are nothing but technique of breathing in an extremely controlled manner where both nostrils are used in different permutations and combinations.

Ujjayi Pranayama involves different Pranayamic exercises which stretches breathe prior to entering your lungs whilst warming it and this warm breath heats up your body. Three techniques in succession : Puraka, Kumbhaka and Rechaka completes the process of Ujjayi, making it a healthy and unique Pranayama. Puraka is the process of single inhalation, carried on a simultaneous and regular basis in Ujjayi. Kumbhaka is a particular breathing technique where breath is suspended and retained and thus categorised in two broad categories: Bhaya Kumbhaka and Antara Kumbhaka. Rechaka on the other hand is the process of lengthening the exhalation and thus deals with the relaxation of the chest.
The steps of performing this pranayama are as follows:

• First of all, you should sit in comfortable posture and your spine should be straight.
• Draw air by both the nostrils and inhale slowly. While inhaling, air should touch the throat and some sound should be produced. The abdomen should remain steady, i.e. should not be bulging out and chest should expand.
• After the completion of inhalation process, slowly air should be exhaled. During exhalation, chest should contract, i.e. go inside while abdomen should again remain steady.

Once this Pranayama is well practiced and one knows his limitations, the ratio of inhalation and exhalation should be in the ratio of 1:2.

Ujjayi Pranayama is has many benefits; as positive and negative air pressure is created in the lungs and stomach cavity by the breathing techniques of this yoga; it causes good effects on internal organs.