Being upside down can be confronting for some. Yet the benefits are many – combating hyperactivity, stimulating metabolism, increasing cardiovascular circulation and opening the heart. Salamba Sarvangasana, or Shoulderstand, is particularly effective for people with an overactive thyroid – symptoms which include excessive talking, an inability to focus or listen, stuttering, and physical hyperactivity. As John Ogilvie, senior teacher and founder of Byron Yoga Centre explains, adopting a supported shoulder stand using a chair helps us relax and surrender to its benefits.

You're standing with legs spread and hips lined up. You've sucked in your belly and lengthened your spine. You bend your front leg to lower into Virabhadrasana I and your hips begin to tilt - you have lost alignment. Although quite a simple looking standing pose, a well-aligned and deep Virabhadrasana I can be most elusive, where compressed lower backs and furrowed brows among yogis abound.

One of the fundamental yoga postures adho mukha svanasana, or down face dog, is an asana that continues to evolve for both new and experienced students. It is very therapeutic, combining the benefits of an arm balance, forward bend and inversion. When the body is in perfect balance with minimal muscle tension, the mind and body come together in pure consciousness, allowing the flow of energy or prana.