What is the difference between natural breathing and the application of abdominal control in pranayama?
On the inhalation, the diaphragm moves down as the lungs fill, causing the intercostal muscles between the ribcage to expand. When applying Ujjayi breath, the region between the navel and the pubic bone draws inwardly toward the spine (Uddiyana Bandha) and the pelvic floor energetically lifts (Mula Bandha). Using the abdominals is a way to control the breath into the region of the ribcage.
