The ujjayi breath taught in the above short meditation is the breath traditionally practiced through out a yoga asana practice.  The ujjayi breath can also be used as a meditation in itself.  I use the ujjayi breath when I bike or jog  and I find it helps keep my heart rate down.  I have also used it during parts of labor, after being stung by a jellyfish, and when doing energy work.


If you are not confident with your ujjayi breath after this short lesson and meditation please let me know and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.


Some of the BENEFITS of the ujjayi breath are:  it lowers blood pressure, slows the heart rate, is calming to the nervous system, helps with insomnia when done before bed, it is relaxing on the psychic level, and it helps alleviate fluid retention in the body. 
 
 

"Asana is essentially the same process as pranayama.  The difference is that movement of the body is used to enhance the breath process in asana."
                                                                                             -Mark Whitwell
                                                                                             Yoga of Heart, p 158

 
 

Nadi Shodana is a breathing practice with many benefits.  This particular pranayama practice increases mental acuity and is helpful to do before tests or studying.  It is named Nadi Shodana for it's ability to cleanse the energy centers through out the body, or nadis.

To begin, fold the first two fingers of your right hand into your palm.  Use your thumb to close off the right nostril, as you breath into the left. When you start, take an inhalation to the count of five. If that makes you dizzy, reduce your count. (The longer you practice the more accustomed your body will become to deep breathing.)  As soon as you reach the top of the inhalation, close the left nostril with your right ring finger, removing your thumb from the right nostril at the same time, and begin a slow, rhythmic, exhalation through this nostril. Do this to the count of five also. Inhale through the right nostril to the count of five. Close the right nostril with your right thumb. Exhale through the left nostril to the count of five.  This is one round. 

Practice 5 to 15 rounds and sit quietly for a moment soaking in the effects of your practice.




 
Ujayi Pranayama 06/27/2009
 

Ujayi pranayama is the breath most commonly practiced in concert with asanas in any yoga class.  It is made using the whisper muscles in the back of the throat, with your mouth closed, so that your breath sounds like waves going in and out.

So what is the purpose of the audible breath we use as we move through our asanas?  The sounds of this breath helps to keep our attention turned inward as we experience our bodies in practice.  As we listen to the sound and continue to breath deeply it helps to retrain our natural, habitual, shallow breathing so that our bodies can more often feast on the oxygen that is so healing.  Other benefits of ujayi pranayama are the building of heat in your body, for safe and effective stretching, and calming your nervous system.

 
 
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Pranayama  is a Sanskrit term that breaks down to the root words prana, and ayama.  Prana is life-force, or vital energy.  It is more subtle than the breath, yet is effected by it.  Ayama means extension or expansion, hence pranayama means literally the expansion of life force.

As a technical term in yoga, pranayama refers specifically to exercises of breath control that enhance life force, clarity, and general feelings of well being.

"The techniques of pranayama provide the methos whereby the life force can be activated and regulated to go beyond one's normal boundaries or limitations and attain a higher state or vibratory energy."                                                      -Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha, p363
 
 

In the Bible breath is referred to as, "the breath of life."  In yogic tradition the breath is acknowledged as an effective way to create more prana, or life force.  In these and also in other traditions we see that the breath has long been recognized as a force to bring life and vitality.

The science behind the deep breathing in yoga is based on the healing and vitalizing power of oxygen.  The breath combined with the poses, or alone in seated pranayama,  replaces toxic stagnant energy with vital, freshly purified and oxygenated blood.  The deeper you breath, the more energy you create, that will be distributed through out your body for healing.  Our bodies are miraculous creations.  When we supply them with what they need, healing happens.  So slow down and take some nice deep breaths!

 
    About Me
    Amber Gurr

     I was first introduced to yoga in 2001 and quickly fell in love.  In 2004, I completed my 500 hour teacher training with D'ana Baptiste and have done annual trainings since that time with notable teachers such as Mark Whitwell, David Williams, Baron Baptiste and Rolf Gates.  I love teaching and I love seeing yoga bless both the physical and spiritual aspects of people's lives.

    I have a husband and 4 little boys, ages 9, 3, 2 and 0 that keep me busy and playing.  I decided that now is the time for me to be home with my family so now I just sub a yoga class here and there.    I also am a nutritional herbalist, herbalist, doula, have an Associates degree in music,  teach piano and do some energy readings and healing here and there. 

    I am excited to share some of the tid bits of truth that I have come across that have shaped my life thus far and hope that this sharing  will assist many others in their journey.

    Namaste!
heal strengthen renew