The word Ujjayi can be divided into Ut + Jayi. However, there is no relation to the words Ut and Jayi. In fact, the meaning of Ujjayi in this context is not mentioned anywhere in the traditional texts. Pranayama, however is mentioned in the ashtanga yoga and can be understood as the control of the vital airs (prana). There are about 70 types of pranayama mentioned in the traditional texts.

An old Hatha Yoga text refers to the Ujjayi Pranayama as "Closing the mouth, one should slowly draw in air through both the nostrils, producing a sound in such a way that its touch is felt from the throat to the chest. After performing Kumbhaka as before, air is exhaled through the left nostril. This removes the throat diseases caused by phlegm and increases the gastric fire."

In this text, the technique of Kumbaka is also considered a necessity before performing the Ujjayi Pranayama. Authentically speaking, the Pooraka, Kumbaka and Rechaka have to be performed before this pranayama. They are nothing but extremely controlled breathing, using both nostrils in various permutations and combinations. For the convenience of the beginner, we shall directly see how effective Ujjayi Pranayama can be performed, without having to perform the Pooraka, Kumbaka and Rechaka.

Steps for Ujjayi Pranayama :
1. Sit erect in any comfortable posture. Keep spine erect.

2. Inhale, slowly drawing air by both the nostrils in such a way that while inhaling the touch of air is experienced in the throat and some sound is produced.

3. During inhalation do not allow abdomen to bulge out, let the chest expand.

4. After completing inhalation slowly exhale. During exhalation chest should go inside and abdomen should remain steady.

Benefits of Ujjayi Pranayama
1. This type of Pranayama creates positive and negative air pressures in the lungs and the stomach cavity.

2. This also causes good effects on the internal organs.

Precautions during Ujjayi Pranayama
1. While doing Ujjayi air should touch the throat.

2. Do not let abdomen to bulge out.

3. After practicing it for few days, knowing your limitations, keep the ratio between inhalation and exhalation 1 : 2.

Beginner`s tip:The effect of the strain and pressure caused by the asanas reaches the internal organs only after considerable practice. However, pranayama affects the internal organs directly. However, for the effects to take place, the internal organs should have the required capability. They become capable gradually, through the right practice of asanas. Hence, it is advisable to practice pranayama only after a proper study of asanas for a considerable time .