Pranayama Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800166

Victorious Breath Ujjayi Pranayama

A soft constriction at the glottis giving the breath an audible ocean quality. The default breath of vinyasa practice.

Practice Victorious Breath (Ujjayi Pranayama) with Illustrated Cues & Breath Timer Open this posture in Ayurveda & Asana Yoga on iPhone & iPad to build custom dosha sequences and track MET energy burn.
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Victorious Breath (Ujjayi Pranayama) — Pranayama Yoga Posture Illustration

Victorious Breath (Ujjayi Pranayama) — Pranayama posture targeting Full Body · Throat-constricted breath · Eyes closed drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Neutral (0) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Ujjayi Pranayama
Posture Family
Pranayama
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
300 seconds
Breath Pattern
Throat-constricted
Drishti (Gaze)
Eyes closed
Target Muscles
Full Body
Energy Expenditure
1.4 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Victorious Breath

Victorious Breath (Ujjayi Pranayama) belongs to the Pranayama posture family and engages the Full Body at an intensity of approximately 1.4 METs. A soft constriction at the glottis giving the breath an audible ocean quality. The default breath of vinyasa practice.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Throat-constricted throughout the 300-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Eyes closed to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Full Body.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 6 years (72 months).

Ayurvedic Dosha Profile (Vāta, Pitta & Kapha)

In Ayurvedic asana sequencing (Dosha Provenance: modern-synthesis), every posture shifts Vata, Pitta, and Kapha according to its mechanical compression, heat generation, and grounding stability:

  • Vāta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Neutral (0) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 300 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • High blood pressure with retention

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