Asanas are postures which may be static, moving, or both. Each movement and static pose has a therapeutic effect on the body, mind and spirit. They can increase blood supply and lymphatic drainage, speed elimination of toxins, massage internal organs and give the veins a welcome rest by putting the legs downside up! (You don't have to stand on your head.) It can help bring us back to health. Many doctors recommend Yoga for conditions that are stress-related such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Asthma, Blood Pressure, Cardiovascular Disease, Depression. Yoga can speed up and sustain recovery from injuries or illness by increasing flexibility, strength, stamina and reducing pain.

Yoga is one of the very few disciplines that consciously allows us to move and relax all the forgotten bits of our body, from our scalp to the last joint of our little toes.

Pranayama is mindful focus and direction of the breath, which brings in pranic energy. Whether moving continuously or holding a posture or in relaxation, we consciously focus on the breath. A long out-going breath, for instance can gently bring us further into a posture because the muscles relax.

There are cleansing breaths, calming and energising breaths, breaths to stimulate the mind, healing breaths, breaths to take away pain, tiny sips of breath that cool you or warm you, strong breaths that clear the nasal passages or supply oxygen to soothe a sore throat and bring the gunk up from those poor congested lungs.

The long complete Yoga breath is directed into every part of the lungs front and back, from belly to just beneath the collar bones. And there are breaths that allow you to relax, release, let go and have restful, refreshing sleep at bedtime. Increased oxygen in the blood helps burn up calories too!

While you are focusing on the posture, movement, breath, your busy, butterfly mind and body become still. This creates a peaceful oasis from our daily stresses. If you notice your mind has wandered off, just gently bring it back to the watching of the breath and consciousness of where your body is in space. How often do we do that, eh?

In yoga classes, the Vibration of Sound, sometimes relating to the energy centres - the Chakras, can energise, calm and create healing. The mantra Om, for instance is the Universal Sound which represents the infinity of creation, and relates to the wisdom and intuition of the Brow Chakra. Like listening to soothing, heavenly music, its sound creates a sense of serenity stillness, peace and joy.

The Asanas (postures) give us flexibility, strength and health so we can be still, usually with eyes closed. The senses are withdrawn. The insistent superficial mind chatter retreats, so we can go within and focus without reaction on the gentle movement of the breath and the object of Meditation. You can do this when you are stressed for a few minutes in a busy day, just before bedtime for gentle, refreshing sleep, or regularly at a set time as part of your Yoga practice. The focus of meditation may be a flower, a positive thought, visualisation or image, a candle flame or black velvet before your eyes, the Sun or a sound. Ultimately the goal is Spiritual Awakening and Union.

Typically in the West, Yoga classes consist of the Asanas and Pranayama (the Breath), and the wonderful Deep Relaxation at the end. A focus for Meditation may be given. Don't worry!! You don't have to sit in the Lotus Position. You can sit in a chair, against a wall, lie prone, shift about quietly if you get uncomfortable and pop to the loo if your bladder calls. If you get bored at first and your mind wanders, gently bring it back. And if you snore, don't worry, you are not the only one. The others won't notice if they're deeply into their Meditation. Take warm clothes for when you are still in case you get cold.

If you have reservations about Yoga, let me reassure you. In my experience, they are the most lovely, humane, friendly, balanced, compassionate bunch of people you could ever wish to mix with!