Is Ujjayi Breath Used in Bikram Yoga?

Ujjayi Breath, often translated as 'Victorious Breath,' is a foundational pranayama technique used in many styles of yoga, but it is notably not a part of traditional Bikram yoga. Ujjayi involves creating a soft constriction in the back of the throat (the glottis) while breathing through the nose. This constriction creates a gentle, audible 'ocean' or 'hissing' sound on both the inhalation and the exhalation. The purpose of Ujjayi breath is threefold. First, it helps to build and regulate internal heat in the body. Second, the sound and rhythm of the breath provide a powerful anchor for the mind, helping the practitioner to stay present and focused during a flowing practice. Third, the slight resistance of the breath can help to lengthen and smooth the respiratory cycle, promoting a calm and steady nervous system. This breathing technique is a hallmark of flowing styles like Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Power Yoga, where it is used continuously throughout the practice to link breath with movement. In contrast, Bikram yoga emphasizes a different breathing style—a deep, relaxed inhalation and exhalation through the nose, without the audible constriction of Ujjayi. The focus in Bikram is on maximizing lung capacity and oxygen intake in a more direct way, rather than on the rhythmic, heating quality of Ujjayi.