Urdhva Vrikshasana performed with the hands apart, as the pressure exerted by the arms is outward. This technique can be especially helpful for raised arm inversions. In some styles of yoga leaning backward may be considered a variation of Ūrdhva Vṛkṣāsana and be substituted for it in Surya Namaskara vinyasas. In Surya Namaskar, Ūrdhva Vṛkṣāsana is an important part of many styles of yoga, particularly Ashtanga Yoga, and is the first vinyasa of the series (following the starting asana, samasthitih). In Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, Ūrdhva Vṛkṣāsana appears as part of full vinyasas throughout the practice. In Vinyasa Krama Yoga, Tāḍāsana is performed
Ashtanga vinyasa yoga more breaths in difficult postures. Various influential figures have discussed the specific process of breath in ashtanga. Pattabhi Jois recommends breathing fully and deeply with the mouth closed, although does not specifically refer to Ujjayi breathing. However, Manju Jois does and refers to breathing called "‘dirgha rechaka puraka’, meaning long, deep, slow exhalations and inhalations. It should be dirgha... long, and like music. The sound is very important. You have to do the Ujjayi pranayama". In late 2011, Sharath Jois, the grandson of Pattabhi Jois, declared his feelings on the issue, stating that Ujjayi breathing was not done in the