The Importance of Proper Breathing

Ujjayi Pranayama, which directly translated means victorious stretching of the breath, is an integral part of Ashtanga Yoga. Through my personal practice of yoga poses in the Vinyasa style I have come to realize just how vital it is to synchronize Ujjayi breathing with proper bodily movement.

When first beginning to learn Ashtanga Yoga in the Vinyasa style I had difficultly in mastering my Ujjayi Pranayama. In order to practice the proper technique of Ujjayi Pranayama I would spend the initial portion of my practice comfortably in the cross-legged position and then shifting to the lotus position performing proper breathing techniques. While carrying out Ujjayi Pranayama for an extended period of time I noticed that I would feel very warm due to the amount of heat my body was generating. This physiological effect of Ujjayi Pranayama was explained to me by Gregor Maehle’s comprehensive text Ashtanga Yoga Practice and Philosophy which states that Ujjayi Pranayama creates heat which is said release all of the toxins from both the body and mind equally. Furthermore, the generation of heat provides more resistance during the yogic practice.

Once I felt confident in my Ujjayi breathing I would begin my asana practice. My asana practice began with Samasthiti: the basic standing posture. Once in samasthiti I would gain control/steady Ujjayi Pranayama before moving onwards to Surya Namaskara A: Sun Salutation. Initially I had difficulty in Vinyasa Four of Surya Namaskara A. I realized that this was perhaps due to the fact that I would hold my breath during this posture. In order to make Vinyasa Four of Surya Namaskara A easier, I would establish Ujjayi Pranayama prior to getting into the posture. Only after doing so would I move into the posture while focusing my attention on maintaining the established Ujjayi Pranayama. Performing Vinyasa Four of Surya Namaskara A with special attention to my breathing helped in lowering my body to the ground by bending my arms. Focusing primarily on my Ujjayi Pranayama also aided in keeping my balance in Vinyasa Six of Surya Namaskara A.

I have found that the ultimate objective is not necessarily to hold the posture for an extended period of time but to be able to reach and remain in the posture comfortably. This comfort is reached when both the mind and body are focused, calm, and steady. Ujjayi breathing helps facilitate this.