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elderberry
USA
49 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 30 2024 : 4:02:22 PM
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I've been working my way through the AYP asanas course.
I am on lesson 19.0 on using ujjayi Pranayama during our Asana routine.
The instructor says that ujjayi (restricting the epiglottis) should be used on both the inhale as well as the exhale.
This seems to contradict Yogani's instructions on ujjayi during spinal breathing pranayama in lesson 41:
"On the exhalations, allow your epiglottis to close enough so that there is a small restriction of the air leaving your lungs. Do not restrict the air coming in. Rather, allow the deepest part of your throat to open wide, comfortably."
Are asanas different in this way, in that we should be engaging ujjayi and restricting airflow during both inhalation as well as exhalation? Or am I misinterpreting the instructions given in lesson 19.0 of the online video course? |
Edited by - elderberry on Jun 30 2024 4:02:53 PM |
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Christi
United Kingdom
4520 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2024 : 7:59:51 PM
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Hi Elderberry,
It is really up to the practitioner. As you mentioned, Yogani advises to use ujjayi only on the exhalation with Spinal Breathing Pranayama with a fully relaxed throat on the inhalation. He feels that restricting the air flow on the inhalation can create a slight negative pressure in the lungs which can cause irritation and be distracting. However he has also said that it is not a big deal and someone could use ujjayi on both the inhalation and exhalation if they are drawn to do that.
It is the same with asana. If someone prefers to use ujjayi with only exhalation then they can, or they could use it with both inhalation and exhalation. It can be good to experiment with both and see what feels right for you.
So, it is not that there is something special about asana practice that could require a different approach, it is simply that Devrim, who is teaching that course, prefers to practice ujjayi that way. |
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Dogboy
USA
2296 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2024 : 12:45:27 AM
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| Before AYP I was taught it was for the exhale, and Christi's advice squares with the idea the inhale stimulates/integrates and the breath should not be impaired. I love ujjayi in asana, the whoosh of sound is subtle arousal in and of itself. Listening to your exhale is an opportunity to notice when your breath catches or sighs in automatic joyful expression. |
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Christi
United Kingdom
4520 Posts |
Posted - Jul 01 2024 : 11:48:47 AM
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Hi Dogboy and all,
Personally I use ujjayi only with the exhalation sometimes, and at other times I use it with both inhalation and exhalation. I find there is not a great deal of difference. The benefits of the practice come either way. When ujjayi happens automatically during practices, I find it is usually happening with both inhalation and exhalation. |
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Ujjayi During Asanas
