Ujjāyī — victory, or victorious. It is called “great mudrā” rather than prāṇāyāma, indicating it includes sealing (bandha) components along with breathing.

“Destroyer of old age and death” — promise of longevity and rejuvenation. Ujjāyī warms the body and stimulates metabolism in a sustained manner.

It is characterized by a soft sound in the throat during both inhalation and exhalation, like the sound of distant surf.