Question:
Can you explain a bit more the differences between ujjayi and natural breath? There are many different explanations on the Internet of ujjayi (restriction, snore, ocean breath etc). I also want to mention, recently in my practice, I have become aware of many blockages, which restrict the natural flow of breath (wind). But I have also had experiences of unblocking myself temporarily as my breathing went naturally deeper and the place where I was originally aware of the blockage became free from tension and lighter (like dissolving a heavy weight). But later, these blockages returned or perhaps I never unblocked these nadis? They just widened through concentration and relaxing certain parts of the body? I would really appreciate your guidance for the above.

The Anatomy of Ujjayi Pranayama – From a Practical Experience

Ujjayi Pranayama is one technique that occured to me naturally as part of my developing internal awareness. This happened probably around 5 years into my yoga practice. So what I share here comes from direct experience. In this pranayama, what we see or hear externally is always secondary. The physical adjustments and the audible quality of Ujjayi are simply by-products of deeper inner mechanisms at work.

At the back of the mouth, where the tongue meets the soft palate, there is a natural, gentle narrowing. This subtly influences the glottis, creating a gentle constriction without strain. The tongue becomes more involved, while the throat itself remains relaxed and soft. It is natural for my tongue to lightly touch the hard palate behind the upper teeth. I use this gentle suction in drawing the flow of the energy upwards. Therefore, the Nabho Mudra naturally occurs too as part of this collective inner processes.

As the inhalation deepens, the upper chest activates to assist the inward draw of the breath. This creates a narrowing not only for airflow, but also for the upward movement of energy through the central channel. Meanwhile, the intercostal muscles respond naturally, harmonising these opposing sensations and blending them smoothly within the chest cavity.

Deeper still, there is a subtle and spontaneous adjustment of uddiyana bandha but not a consious effort. In my practice, the uddiyana bandha loosens paving way for the rising apana vayu. When the bandhas arise correctly, they are not imposed; they emerge as a result of internal sensitivity. All of these sensations occur simultaneously, not sequentially. They move together as one integrated process, and for me, they all need to be present for Ujjayi to arise.

The distinct sound of Ujjayi arises naturally and is not consciously produced. It does not come from the vocal cords, but from the gentle friction created as the breath moves through the throat. The sound is subtle and it feels as though it is perceived by the brain rather than heard by the ears.

In this way, Ujjayi is less about making a sound and more about refining inner perception. For me, it is not something to be learnt or applied, but a natural expression of the body’s gradual cleansing, inner alignment, and awakening through sustained Hatha practice.

The Natural Breath

Natural breath relies on the nasal passages and the gentle, effortless suction we use in everyday breathing. In this context, though, I’ve refined it so the breath feels even lighter and almost effortless – as if the air enters without touching the walls of the nostrils. It becomes silent, slow, and almost weightless.

Imperfections in the breath appear for a reason. I personally use them to awaken the spiritual energy from its dormancy, to make its presence tangible. Without this, the energy remains seedless and inactive. Our goal is not to eliminate these imperfections completely, but to manage them wisely and avoid situations that create further blockages. You’re right in saying that these inner polarities reveal themselves most clearly through the breath.

In Hatha Yoga, pranayama is the core method for clearing these blockages. Concentration practices also help, and even something as simple as lying on your side to open the blocked nostril can rebalance the brain. When working with obstructions, focus mainly on two channels: Ida (left) and Pingala (right). When these are well-balanced and well-managed, the rest of the system naturally follows.

Blockages never fully dissolve; they return as part of our natural tendencies and to assist us in refining our cleansing practice. Knowing where they are helps us practise specific techniques to work with them. Balance exists only in certain moments, like during meditation. At other times, learning to live in harmony with our imperfections is the real practice.