Ujjayi Breathing

This invigorating practice translates to “victorious breath” and is often referred to as “ocean-sounding breath”. Try it yourself, and you’ll see why. 😉

In this method, you inhale and exhale through the nose with the lips gently sealed. Both the inhale and exhale are equal in length and, without a pause at the top or bottom of the breath, it can flow smoothly and seamlessly. There’s a slight constriction at the back of the throat, resulting in the sound of the sea. Or Darth Vader. Both work.

Benefits of Ujjayi Breathing:

• A very calming breath, particularly as you move through a challenging Vinyasa sequence
• Increases oxygen in the blood and creates and internal heat in the body to energise you for your practice
• Helps to cleanse toxins from the organs and make stretching safer
  Strengthens the nervous and digestive systems while focusing your mind

Surya Namaskar

More commonly known as “sun salutations”, this is a series of 12 postures – linked together and synchronised with the breath. Usually practised in the morning and at the beginning of a Yoga class to warm up and stretch the entire body, preparing it for longer-held or more challenging postures.

Benefits of Surya Namaskar:

• Designed to work on all external parts of the body – for a full-body workout.
• Also stimulates every organ, every system and every chakra – this ancient tradition helps us to connect with our inner/core strength.
• The perfect way to welcome in a new day as we express gratitude to the sun… and if you can’t see the sun, it’s still a great way to boost your energy for the day!

Pranayama

This very important “breathwork practice” involves a conscious awareness of your breath – the life force that both energises you and relaxes you. Plus, a regulation of this breath in different ways depending on what you hope to gain.

For instance, methods like kapalabhati (skull-shining breath) give you a jolt of energy and are great in the morning. While more calming methods like anuloma viloma (alternate nostril breathing) balance out your Yin/Yang energies and are particularly good for the evening time, to help you relax and sleep well.

Benefits of Pranayama:

• Fosters that body-mind-breath connection, which is what yoga is all about!
• Practical exercises that you can do at any time – even in the office – to reduce stress and regain focus
• As good as coffee for waking you up in the morning! Well, almost. 😉