Ocean Breath (Ujjayi) is nasal breathing with a slight narrowing of the throat that makes a soft ocean sound, mostly used during yoga. A steady, audible breath used in yoga to keep rhythm.
How do you do Ocean Breath?
- Breathe in through your nose, gently narrowing the back of your throat.
- You hear a soft ocean sound.
- Breathe out through your nose with the same quiet sound.
- Keep it easy. The sound stays soft, never forced.
The rhythm
In 5sOut 5s
The default rhythm is the gentlest standard one; the app also offers 4 · 4.
What does the research say?
A steady, audible breath used in yoga to keep rhythm.
Evidence grade C · Early research: Small, uncontrolled or non-randomized studies, or mixed results. Grades describe evidence for feeling calmer, more alert or more focused, never a claim about treating a condition.
Sources
Who should take care with Ocean Breath?
Before a session the app shows a short caution when it applies:
- With COPD or another lung condition: If 5 seconds feels long, use 4.
Oxigen is a wellness app, not a medical device. It does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before starting, and keep following your care plan.
How Oxigen guides Ocean Breath
- Rhythms: 5 · 5 or 4 · 4 seconds.
- Session length: 3, 5 or 10 minutes.
- Included with Oxigen Premium.
- An orb, a rhythm ring, haptics and optional sound guide each breath, with “I feel unwell” always on screen.
Similar balancing techniques
Updated November 8, 2026. Copy reviewed against Oxigen’s claims policy and technique reference.