The Ashtanga Intermediate Series or Second series is described in Sanskrit as nadi shodhana, which means the cleansing and opening of the subtle energy nervous system. The postures involve deep backbends, twists, leg-over-head poses, which together help open the energy channels and enable prana to flow more freely.

The Ashtanga Second series follows on from the Primary series, which is also referred to as Yoga Chikitsa, or yoga therapy. The Primary series is there to help the body build strength though the many vinyasas, and also open up, thanks to the vast amount of forward folds and hips openings.

Once the practitioner is ready, they may progress to the Ashtanga Second series.

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