At northlondonosteopaths, alan nevies and his colleagues are happy to approve of suggestions from a wide range of sources that improve the overall health of our patients. So when we read in the Sunday Telegraph 25/8/24, about 5 yoga poses that are good for the midlife brain, as well as the body, we wanted to share it on our website so all our readers can benefit.  We are happy to demonstrate and check that you are doing these movements correctly. 

The poses are as follows

1. The roll down: Start by standing with your feet hip width apart. Your arms should be relaxed by your sides. Inhale and lengthen. Stretch your arms over your head and lengthen your spine. Exhale and fold. As you exhale hinge from your hips and gently fold forward, letting your arms and head hang down towards the ground. Bend your knees if your hamstrings are tight to avoid straining your back. Let your head, neck and shoulders relax and hold the pose while breathing deeply. Stay in the pose for a few breaths before slowly coming back up.
   
2. The tree: Start standing with your feet together and arms at your sides. Shift your weight on to your left foot, grounding it firmly into the floor. Lift your right foot and place the sole against your left inner thigh, calf or ankle (not the knee). Press your right foot into your left leg and engage your core to maintain balance. Bring your palms together in front of your chest or extend your arms overhead. Stay balanced and hold the pose for a few breaths, then switch sides.
   
3. The cobra: lie on your stomach face down  with your legs extended and the tops of your feet flat on the ground. Put your hands under your shoulders keeping your elbows close to your body. Lift your chest, inhale and gently press into your hands, lifting your chest off the floor, keeping your lower body grounded. Keep your neck long and your gaze forward or slightly upward.
   
4. Seated spinal twist: Sit on the floor, legs straight ahead. Bend your right knee and place your right foot flat outside your left knee.  keep your left leg straight. Inhale to sit up tall, lengthening your spine. On the exhale twist and turn to the right, bringing your left elbow to the outside of your right knee. Your right hand can rest on the floor behind you for support. Keep your spine straight as you gently deepen the twist with each exhale. Hold the pose for several breaths.
   
5.  the corpse: lie flat on your back on the mat, legs extended, arms at your sides. Relax, breathing deeply from your belly first then let your lungs fill with air. Hold the breath for as long as you can, then breathe out deeply, from your belly then up through your lungs, like you are emptying the air out of a balloon.

Alan Nevies and his colleagues at Northlondonosteopaths believe that prevention is better than cure. Doing these poses regularly can seriously improve your health.