called "difficultness" of the pose - since it is not the pose which is hard or easy rather it is the student who is stiff or flexible. Proficiency in each level must be shown before the next level is offered. Also we always start with simple tests of awareness focussed on small motor function such as movements of the toes, fingers, feet, hands, legs, arms and neck, before moving onto abdominal, spinal and finally whole body work. Such elementary techniques are necessary to pattern the attitude and awareness of the practitioner prior to more challenging postures. This method of "fixing the bits" before "assembling the whole" is a sure way of knowing that later on, progress will not be impeded due to any of the basics holding you back. Some students find this simplicity very challenging. Their ego wants to do "something more". But to them we say, as a great master of Hatha Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar once said,

"How can you expect to stand still
on one single head -
When you can't even stand still
on your own two feet".

The Benefits of Asanas
For Women's Health and Pregnancy
   Given that women have such sensitive and complicated reproductive systems - added to the extra stresses of pregnancy some bear during their lives - it is no surprise that so many women suffer reproductive disorders. When young, a lot of women get into a gym workout or competitive sports to "get fit" and "stay trim", only to leave such things behind once pregnant, and to realise in retrospect that such regimes did not satisfy those parts of the body really needed for birthing preparation. Varying widely in style and difficulty, yoga asanas gently stretch and explore all parts of the body and can be easily adapted to any woman whatever her size, weight, fitness, state of health or stage of pregnancy.
   The general women's problems which can benefit from the regular practise of asanas include: constipation, bad back, period pain, period irregularity, pelvic floor weakness, uterine prolapse, pre-menstrual syndrome, post-natal depression, asthma, diabetes and of course, general muscular aches and pain.
   During pregnancy, asanas are a gentle way to keep active and supple. Some can influence the presenting position of the baby and can turn it in advance if needed. Many are beneficial for relieving oedema (fluid retention) and cramping, both of which can be common in the last months.

   In preparation for childbirth, there are specific postures that focus on opening the pelvis and relieving tension around the cervix, all of which can help to make labour less painful and quicker. There are others which strengthen and massage the abdomen to help stimulate appetite and bowel action. Some raise the level of energy - a remedy for fatigue and lack of inspiration - whilst others slow the metabolism to restore calm and focus. Standing postures help with integration of physical and mental balance and also have a calming effect on the nervous system. And for after the birth, there are many postures beneficial in helping restore the abdomen, pelvic floor and position of the uterus as well as ones which are good for relieving upper back tension and breast tenderness due to breastfeeding.

	~Pranayama  Breath and Energy Work~

      The Sanscrit word prana means life force, vital force or universal energy. The word yama means to control, to direct, to develop. Therefore, pranayama can be described as a series of techniques which are designed to increase, control, direct and enhance all those functions which are based on the principle of energy or life force. Other spiritual sciences variably call this same energy Chi, Qi or Ki. Scientists call it bio-plasma. It is known to exist as a meta-physical force which works within the same laws of nature as all others, but it has not yet been sufficiently studied by the scientists to reveal the psycho-physiological effects already known to the yogis.

The Physical and the Subtle Breath
   Although the actual pranayama techniques involve manipulation of the breathing process, pranayama should not be thought of as just breathing exercises, nor should it be assumed that we are only dealing with something physical or respiratory in nature. Prana exists in all living things, in every creature. In short, it is that element of existence which keeps things alive. By learning to understand and experience this truth, one can improve not only their physical structure but also their mental, emotional, psychic and overall spiritual evolution, which all depend on this prana.
   The 7 pranayama techniques which you will be introduced to in this book, cover