Ujjayi Breath (Ocean Breath)

Ujjayi is created by slightly constricting the glottis/back of the throat so inhale and exhale make a soft, steady whispering or ocean-like sound, breathing through the nose. The narrowing slows airflow, lengthens the breath, and gives an audible rhythm that practitioners use to pace movement and gauge effort during Vinyasa/flow practice (sun-salutation).

Functionally it is a slow, controlled, diaphragmatic nasal breath (diaphragmatic-breathing) with added resistance — supporting the breath-movement coordination principle (yoga-principles) and the calming, focusing effects associated with slow paced breathing. If the throat constriction causes strain or the breath becomes ragged, ease off; the sound should be soft, not forced.

• Soft throat constriction → audible "ocean" breath, through the nose.
• Slows and lengthens the breath; provides an audible movement pacer.
• A resisted, slow diaphragmatic breath; keep the sound soft, not strained.

• pranayama-overview — parent breathing system.
• yoga-principles — breath-movement coordination.
• sun-salutation — paced with ujjayi in flow.
• diaphragmatic-breathing — underlying mechanic.