Asanas that open the chest, abdominal and pelvic cavities support our ability to breath deeply and consciously. In turn this can support our digestion, strengthen our pelvic and abdominal organs and control the state of our nervous system.

SIRSASANA or head stand pose, is known as the king of all asanas. According to BKS Iyengar, “Light on Yoga” – when we are born, the head comes out first, and then the limbs. He explains, the skull encases the brain, and the brain controls the nervous system and the sense organs.

An inversion series - a progression of poses leading into headstand.

Padmasana - lotus Pose

Often found in Hindu iconography, associated with many powerful deities.

Lakshmi (the goddess of abundance) is often shown sitting on an open lotus and holding another in her hand.

The squatting series strengthens the legs. Then use the lift of utkatasana to give you momentum for the arm balances:

Inversions, back bends into arm balance,

using two cork blocks, kitchen bench and a coffee table.

A brilliant series practiced by Deb Mann from Four Winds Yoga: yoga.net.nz

Try repeating it a few times.