Gentle yoga exercises can cut the risk of painful falls in old age, say scientists. Only two months of classes improve muscle strength, balance and flexibility, making falls and fractures less likely. Dr Song, of Temple University in Philadelphia, looked at how a nine-week course of yoga affected the posture of a group of elderly women.

Balance. It’s something we all strive for. Balance in movement and breath, balance in diet and digestion, balance in thought and action, to name a few examples. And of course we all know that yoga is the most practical, delightful way to achieve balance in all aspects of mind, body, and spirit.