In yoga, breathing is considered to be the foundation of all life and that it sustains the connection between your body and your spirit. Breathing is also an indicator of health and mood.
Victory Breath or Ujayii breathing is a yoga exercise that makes your breathing sound like the ocean. Practicing this has a calming effect on the central nervous system which helps increase mental alertness and clarity – making the exercise very effective to those who are suffering from anxiety and depression. The exercise also builds heat in the body and promotes a sense of calmness in the mind.
Here are steps to doing the Victory Breath exercise:
- Inhale through your nostrils while constricting your back throat so that the breath will make a soft yet audible sound. Think of ocean waves rolling over the shore.
- Exhale also through your nostrils while pulling your belly towards your spine. Empty your lungs completely and begin again.
- Continue to keep on breathing deeply and allow your belly, ribcage, and the upper chest to expand with each inhalation. Make sure that you breathe audibly. And remember that your breath should sound hollow like the ocean.
The exercise is called Victory Breath since it gives you strength and power. This exercise can be challenging to the lungs which at the same time challenges them to work harder.
If you have asthma however, be careful with this breathing exercise. People with bronchitis, sinus or lung infection should avoid doing this exercise until they have been full recovered.
So if you ever want to pull out from your busy schedule and want to have a chance to cool down – even from your cubicle, breathe. Through practicing Victory Breath, you can manage your emotions, gain clarity and take greater control of you life.
