Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga was founded by K. Pattabhi Jois during the twentieth century. He acquired his knowledge from his Guru, Shri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga emphasises a key component known as a Tristana (three places of action or attention) and Vinyasa, which is a combination of breath and movement.

There are core concepts for Ashtanga vinyasa yoga practice, encompassing the three levels of purification: the body, nervous system and the mind. They are to be performed in conjunction with each other. The Intermediate series is called Nadi Shodhana, which means purification of the nervous system. It strengthens and cleanses the nervous system and the energy channels. The series follows the same progression as the primary series with the addition of intense back-bending asana and other advanced yoga postures.