Ashtanga Second Series: Nerve Purification and Deeper Transformation

September 19, 2025 ashtangayogainrishikesh@gmail.com

The Ashtanga Second Series: Connecting Strength and Purification of the Mind and Body

The Ashtanga Second Series, known in Sanskrit as Nadi Shodhana (Nerve Purification), expands upon the foundation established by the Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa). Developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, this intermediate sequence shifts focus toward cleansing the nadis (energy channels), building greater strength, flexibility, and deeper concentration. It invites practitioners to refine their practice on a more profound physical, energetic, and spiritual level.

In the sacred environment of Rishikesh, where Mysore-style self-practice thrives, the Second Series offers an authentic pathway to purify the nervous system, release energetic blockages, and awaken higher awareness.

Through disciplined practice, the Second Series generates powerful internal heat and intelligent sequencing to open energy pathways, foster balance in the nervous system, and support holistic transformation of body, mind, and spirit.

The Journey of Stretching One’s Limitations

The Ashtanga Second Series is notably more challenging and demanding than the Primary Series. It requires heightened focus, core strength, and mental resilience. While the Primary Series emphasizes forward bends and detoxification of the physical body, the Second Series intensifies backbends, deep twists, hip openers, and inversions to strengthen the arms, shoulders, and spine while simultaneously increasing flexibility.

The sequence progresses methodically, incorporating advanced asanas such as Kapotasana (King Pigeon Pose), Eka Pada Sirsasana (Leg Behind Head Pose), and deep backbends like Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel Pose). Practitioners often describe this series as a profound test of boundaries—pushing physical and mental limits while cultivating patience and surrender.

The Role of Nadi Shodhana – Nerve Purification

Nadi Shodhana refers not only to physical purification but also to energetic cleansing. The postures, combined with vinyasa breathing, ujjayi pranayama, bandhas, and drishti, work to open and clear the nadis, allowing prana (life force) to flow freely. This process balances the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, removes energetic blockages, and enhances vitality.

Many practitioners report a profound sense of equilibrium, renewed energy, and emotional release after consistent practice, as the series stimulates deeper layers of the nervous system and supports holistic healing.

Mental and Emotional Transformation

The complexity of the Second Series demands unwavering focus and discipline. Challenging postures can evoke frustration, doubt, or emotional intensity—yet these moments become opportunities for growth. Each breath and movement anchors the practitioner in the present, turning the mat into a space for deep introspection and mindfulness.

Over time, the repetitive, meditative nature of the practice quiets the mind, builds emotional resilience, and integrates awareness into daily life, leading to greater clarity, humility, and self-understanding.

Unique Features and Key Benefits of the Ashtanga Second Series

Intense Backbends and Spinal Health

Deep backbends like Kapotasana and Urdhva Dhanurasana open the front body, strengthen the spine, improve posture, and expand heart-centered energy.

Advanced Strength and Flexibility

Postures such as Eka Pada Sirsasana, Tittibhasana (Firefly Pose), and arm balances build tremendous core, arm, and leg power while deepening hip and shoulder mobility.

Nadi Purification and Energetic Balance

The sequence targets the nadis for complete energetic detoxification, fostering increased prana flow, emotional release, and nervous system harmony.

Why Practice the Second Series in Rishikesh?

Rishikesh provides the perfect setting for authentic Mysore-style practice under experienced guides. The spiritual atmosphere, personalized adjustments, and connection to Ashtanga's roots allow practitioners to safely explore the series' depth and receive the full transformative benefits.

Final Thoughts

The Ashtanga Second Series is a challenging yet profoundly rewarding step for dedicated practitioners. It demands effort, patience, and surrender, but rewards with enhanced physical strength, energetic purification, mental clarity, and spiritual insight. For those who have mastered the Primary Series, it becomes a powerful journey of self-discovery—uniting body, breath, and mind in deeper harmony.

Join Ashtanga classes or a residential retreat in Rishikesh to immerse yourself in this transformative practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is called Nadi Shodhana, meaning "nerve purification" or "cleansing of the energy channels." The series focuses on opening the nadis, purifying the nervous system, and allowing prana to flow freely through deep backbends, twists, and inversions.

While the Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) emphasizes detoxification, forward bends, and physical foundation-building, the Second Series focuses on backbends, deeper hip openers, arm balances, and nerve/energy purification. It is more intense and builds greater strength and spinal flexibility.

Traditionally, practitioners should have a consistent, proficient Primary Series practice (often 1–3+ years) with good strength, flexibility, breath control, and bandhas. Readiness is determined by your teacher in Mysore style—based on energetic benefits, posture mastery, and body readiness to avoid injury.

A complete Second Series (in led or Mysore style) typically lasts 90–120 minutes or longer, depending on pace, breath counts (usually 5 breaths per posture), and individual adjustments. It follows the Primary Series structure but adds intermediate postures.

Yes, traditionally practiced 6 days a week (with rest on Saturdays, moon days, etc.), building on the Primary Series foundation. Listen to your body—start gradually, and work under guidance to integrate the more intense postures safely.