The Ashtanga system, which is in the Hatha yoga tradition, was passed down by Sri T. Krishnamacharya and is now practiced by thousands of people around the world. Traditionally in Ashtanga, there are three main sequences of postures: Primary (Yoga Chikitsa), Intermediate (Nadi Sodhana), and Advanced Series (Sthira Bhaga).

Ashtanga yoga is a traditional system of yoga based on Patanjali's philosophy of "eight limbs" of yoga. Students practice a sequence of poses linked with Vinyasa (breath movement) using Ujjayi Pranayama (deep rhythmic breathing), Bandha (muscular and energetic locks), and Drishti (meditative gaze points).

This system has often been misunderstood in the west as it has been taught as a powerful form of exercise with little emphasis on the therapeutic benefits. Finally, two of the world's leading Ashtanga teachers team up to demystify the practice and its teachings, bringing to light the role of yoga in long-term health, the benefits of each pose as well as illustrating safe adjustments for poses in each series.