Hello 
I am new to Power Vinyassa yoga practice and have a question regarding Uddiyana Bandha. Should Uddiyana Bandha be used during the entire practice, Or only certain poses?
Also, I struggle for breath during plow pose. Should I be using Uddiyana Bandha?
Being a new practitioner I am surprised that you are aware of the bandhas let alone practicing them. If you feel the sensation of struggling in any part of yoga (in this case asana) then you are trying too hard. I would suggest you establish yourself in ahimsa before venturing further into the bandhas.
Hello Jess,
Uddiyana Bandha is an abdominal lock and is applied by drawing everything from the pubis to the Xiphoid process in toward the spine. It is not an appropriate action in asana (and I’m being gentle) and it should not be practiced by beginning students with fewer than several years of dedicated, observed, and aligned practice.
Some teachers refer to a lift in the belly as Uddiyana Bandha. If that is the case here then it IS appropriate to maintain a lift in the bottom of the belly during asana and daily living.
Honestly this sort of question needs to be directed to the person you’ve selected (consciously or otherwise) to impart the practice to you.
gordon