In order to produce a fine, smooth feeling when we breathe, we narrow the flow of breath in the throat, producing a gentle breathing sound. It is as if there were a valve in the throat that we close slightly in order to control the breath. The measure for this control is our sound, which becomes very gentle and ultimately should not require any effort or create any feeling of tension. After this technique is mastered, the sound is present during both inhalation and exhalation. This technique, known as ujjāyī, allows us to hear as well as feel the breath as it becomes deeper and longer.
