SECOND CONNECTIVE SECTION

This second connective section consists of three postures: Bakasana, which is an apanic (energetic downward flow) strength posture, and two twists, Bharadvajasana and Ardha Matsyendrasana. This section separates the backbend sequence from the leg-behind-head sequence. Remember that the only leg-behind-head posture in the Primary Series was introduced by a nearly identical section (two twists and two strength postures), whereas in the Advanced A Series, arm balances and backbends are separated by a section of advanced twists and apanic strength postures.

Bakasana counteracts the backbend sequence and has a similar apanic effect to Pashasana, which came before the backbend sequence. Through its kyphotic strength, it takes any excess backbend out of the low back and ignites the bandhas for the upcoming leg-behind-head sequence. Twists are the ideal link between backbends and leg-behind-head postures as they contain pranic-lordotic elements (as with backbends) and apanic-kyphotic elements (as with leg-behind-head postures).