Ujjayi translates as victorious. The chief characteristic of this pranayama is the soft hissing sound you make by partially closing the glottis in the throat, familiar to many yoga practitioners.
Full Ujjayi pranayama is more than the sound, though, and involves a further technique. In Ayurveda it is used to balance vata, and the slow breath calms the nervous system.
Skill in Ujjayi helps with all other pranayamas.
