The at-risk children in the San Diego school system I am training to work with are learning yoga and mindfulness techniques through the CALM kids program, which helps them deal with stress and anxiety and helps regulate their emotions and behavior. One of the breathing techniques taught is called the Ujjayi breath, used for thousands of years to balance the entire nervous system, releasing irritation and frustration and calming the mind and body. It is now most practiced during yoga asana to synchronize breath with movements.
The children call it ‘ocean breath’ because it simulates the rhythm and sound of the ocean. As a yoga teacher, I have taught the Ujjayi breath for years. If you haven’t tried Ujjayi breathing, here is the way the children are taught:
- With your mouth open, exhale the sound “HAAAAH”, similar to the sound you make if you’re trying to fog up a mirror. Try it a few times until you are comfortable with it.
- Close your mouth and make the same sound with your mouth closed, exhaling through your nose. You will use the same method for the inhale, gently constricting the back of your throat.
- It may help to put your fingers in your ears to really hear the sound of the Ujjayi breath. If you are doing it correctly, you should sound like the waves in the ocean.
There are many benefits to Ujjayi breathing. It increases oxygen to the blood, relieves tension, regulates blood pressure, builds energy, detoxifies the mind and body and increases the meditative qualities of self -awareness and presence, to name a few. So give it a try during yoga practice, meditation, or anytime you are feeling agitated and stressed. You should notice a soothing effect right away.
Here is a short audio tutorial of the Ujjayi breath.
Go ahead, breath like the ocean.
Casey Conerly Yoga 