And... breathe. Yoga is growing in popularity, with celebrities from Lady Gaga to Jennifer Anniston swearing by it. Here, we meet Kent instructor Natasha Harding and she tells us why we should all be perfecting our Down Dogs.

New research from the European Society of Cardiology conference reveals that doing just 15 minutes of yoga a week will lower your blood pressure.

It’s heartening for the 12 million Brits who typically take a water pill for the condition, which is the country’s biggest cause of heart disease and stroke.

And lowering blood pressure isn’t the only health benefit that comes from regularly practising yoga.

The ancient art form is one of the best-things for your overall health and was even cited as one of the best exercises to lower your dementia risk according to research from website HelpGuide.

Natasha Harding, from West Malling, teaches Hatha yoga. She said: “I started teaching 12 years ago and since then have seen a massive increase in attendance.

“Many people are recommend to try yoga by their doctors nowadays.

“I’ve taught women who are going through breast cancer, very stressed men and many people with back issues.

“I passionately believe that it makes a difference to everybody's wellbeing. It’s not just about executing a perfect headstand - yoga is so much more than that.”

Here are just some of the ailments that yoga may help with:

Insomnia

“One of the best compliments is when one of my yogis tell me that they sleep well after a class,” she said. It’s because yoga soothes the nervous system and quietens your mind, meaning that a long, deep sleep is easier to come by.

Backache

An estimated 10 million working days are lost every year due to back pain. Yoga improves flexibility in the spine and also strengthens your core which may help manage chronic back ache. Claire Sythes from Paddock Wood said: “Yoga has helped me to manage a long term back condition and gives me a much needed hour of relaxation.”

Mental health issues

Yoga increases GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid - the brain’s most calming neurotransmitter levels) which are linked to lower levels of stress according to Boston University. When stress is managed, sufferers of depression and anxiety feel better. Joanna Earle from Kings Hill said: “Having lived with a mental illness since I was a teenager, I’ve found yoga is the one thing I can rely on to calm me down in times of high anxiety. It gives me the chance to reset my mind and my body. I don’t know what I’d do without it in my life.”

Headaches

Not breathing correctly and tight shoulders are two reasons why headaches can strike. Releasing shoulders and breathing effectively are two things that yoga should sort out in no time.

Childbirth

Research from The Manchester University discovered that a weekly yoga class can help ease stress during pregnancy and reduce women’s fear of childbirth. Tamandra Christmas-Baxter from Maidstone said: “When I had my first baby, my midwife said to me, ‘If only all of my pregnant ladies could breathe like you, my job would be far easier!’

THE BEST POSE TO DO EVERY DAY:

FOR MEN

Standing forward bend with a twist

To do: Stand with your legs as wide as you can. Breathe in and lean forward, place both hands on the floor (use a block if your hand don’t touch the floor). Inhale and lift your left arm up to the ceiling. Turn your head to look at your hand. Hold for three breaths. Exhale and place your hand back on the floor. Repeat on the right side.

FOR WOMEN

Down dog

To do: From a hands and knees position, inhale, exhale and straighten your arms and lift your hips so you resemble a ‘v’. Spread your fingers far apart and ensure that there is equal weight underneath each part of the hands. If you’re flexible enough your heels will touch the floor. Hold for at least three breaths before exhaling and releasing.

FOR CHILDREN

Child’s pose

To do: From a hands and knees position, push your bottom all the way back on to the heels. The arms are by the sides, palms up so the shoulders are able to relax. Focus your awareness on the back of the body and breathe.

For more information, and more advice from Natasha, visit thevillageyoga.co.uk

Natasha teaches yoga classes at the following places:

Tuesdays at 11.30 am - Ryarsh Village Hall - Hatha yoga

Wednesdays at 11am - Kings Hill Community Hall - Hatha yoga

Thursdays at 7.15 pm - Ryarsh Village Hall - Pregnancy yoga

Thursdays at 8.15 pm - Ryarsh Village Hall - Hatha yoga

Fridays at 10am - Ryarsh Village Hall - Hatha yoga

All classes are £10 and operate on a pay-as-you-go basis. All classes are for mixed abilities and beginners are welcome at each class. For other Kent-based classes see classfinder.org.uk