Many books illustrate asana  as static postures. Learning only static postures does not reveal the incredible potential of asana, however.

When individual asanas are linked together correctly in a sequence, the result is a physiological mantra, like the energy of converging forces. The synchronizing of physical movement with your breath in hatha yoga is called vinyasa. This technique allows you to create a deeper absorption of awareness through a rhythmic moving meditation while practicing yoga.

Most people are not conscious of their intention from moment to moment. The vinyasa flow is the element that sews together the various moments in a sequence of changes. When you practice a sequence of asanas you link them with conscious breathing.

The real vinyasa, or link, however is the intention with which you practice the asanas. It is the intention that links the postures with consciousness instead of unconsciousness.

The term vinyāsa refers to the alignment of movement and breath, which turns static asanas (poses) into a dynamic flow. Vinyasa also supports moving into and out of the asanas through connection with muscular breathing mechanisms. An inhalation naturally expands the belly and ribs and, with proper alignment, will lengthen the spine and encourage expansion. An exhalation naturally contracts the abdomen and torso and encourages retraction.

In general, you inhale when you move into a pose, move against gravity, create upward movements or arch the spine.

You exhale as you move out of a posture, move with gravity, create downward movements or round the spine.

Cat posture to relieve lower back pain

The length of one inhale or one exhale dictates the length of time spent transitioning between asanas. Attention is placed on the breath and the journey between the asanas rather than solely on achieving perfect body alignment in a pose, as in Hatha Yoga. In Hatha Yoga, we use a form of pranayama (the yogic science of breath) called Ujjayi. This particular style of breathing is said to enhance and empower a Hatha Yoga practice, with an English translation meaning “to become victorious” or “to gain mastery.”

 Ujjayi. breath is an audible breathe that is often compared to the sound of the ocean. Although there is a constriction of the throat, the Ujjayi. breath flows in and out through the nostrils, with the lips remaining gently closed.
Some yogis  believe the Ujjayi comes natural when the postures are deeply understood, and shouldn’t be focused on until such mastery of asana is attained. Yet, in a Vinyasa style of yoga, the Ujjayi is emphasized as a way to link the breath with the movement, as Vinyasa yoga is based on breath-synchronized poses.
Correct breath can, improve concentration in the physical practice as it instills endurance that enhances a flowing practice by lending a meditative quality that maintains the rhythm of the class.
Focusing on Ujjayi breath can release tension and tight areas of the body, and can diminish pain from headaches, relief of sinus pressure, decrease in phlegm, and strengthening of the nervous and digestive systems.
Here are the basis guidelines to breath power and intention into your practice;
  • The breath is inhaled during ascending movements and movements that open the front of the body.
  • No movement is undertaken without being intimately connected to either an inhale or an exhale.
  • The quality of the breath reflects the quality of the mind in any posture. If the breath has an unaffected quality, free from attachment to pleasure or aversion to discomfort, the mind will have the same quality.
  • The least possible breaths and movements are used to enter into, transition between, and exit from one position to another.
  • No fidgeting……fussing…..daydreaming or complaining.
‘Cultivate a consistent, conscious practice that is not affected by your daily irregularities’
Sharon Gannon…Jivamukti Yoga