Yoga 101: Ujjayi Breathing

Find out what makes yoga real and really powerful.

Admit it, you inhale.

Yes, a yoga class is similar to a stretch class. The “big duh” there though (was that colloquialism called for?), is that yogic breathing, called ujjayi (ooh-jai-ee) breathing or the oceanic breathing that sounds like you are channeling Darth Vadar is what makes yoga real and really powerful. This type of breathing matched to movements constitutes yoga as currency. Like cubic zirconium and diamonds, yoga and stretching do look alike but we all know there are vast differences when it comes to their value.

If we were to cite all of the studies documenting how breathwork diminishes pain, eases stress, anxiety, lowers blood pressure, fights fatigue, and bolsters immunity we would be here forever. We prefer to get down to practice. Go ahead, inhale. Here’s how.

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