Ocean breath

 

Ocean breath is also called Ujjayi pranayama.  It is a controlled breathing method.  It is almost identical in practise to Diaphragm breathing, with the same mechanism of action and the same effects.  Where it differs is

• Inhalation and exhalation are only through the nose

• There is a three part sequence to the way the breath is inhaled – first the lower belly is filled, then the lower rib cage, then the upper chest

• The glottis is use to expel and inhale the air moving the air over it and this making an ‘ocean sound’ and it is for this reason sometimes called ‘ocean breath’

 It is theoretically similar to the Tu-na breathing found in Qigong.

It partly works via increasing the breathing rate  - providing more oxygen, but not via hyperventilation, - but its principal mode of action is via the diaphragm again.  In effect it is again stimulation of the trigger points. There may be an effect via the trigger point found in the roof of the mouth.