Savasana, its benefits and how to do it

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What is savasana? 

Savasana aka corpse pose is a yoga asana that is usually done at the end of a yoga session to relax the body and mind. In modern terms, you can consider it as a cool-down mechanism after difficult and challenging yoga asanas. In this asana, you have to behave like a corpse, the body remains completely still. No movements whatsoever. You must be thinking how hard it could be but keeping the body still is one thing but the mind, plays its own tricks. That's why this asana seems simple but in reality, it is very challenging to do it with perfection.

woman doing savasana

How to perform savasana?

  • Lie flat on your back keeping hands a little away from the thighs, with palms up and relaxed.
  • Close your eyes and relax your body.
  • Do not force your body parts to keep at a certain position. Let them settle in their natural position by themselves.
  • Take a few deep breaths. This will help you to focus better on your breathing.
  • Now breathe slow and fine without any jerks.
  • Breathing should be so fine that your nostrils should not feel the passage of air.
  • Focus on breathing. With each inhalation, imagine taking your focus from toe to head slowly and in reverse while exhaling. This will keep the mind still.
  • Stay in this asana for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Do not fall asleep in this pose, be mindful.

Benefits of savasana:

  • This asana induces calmness of mind.
  • It reduces both mental and physical fatigue.
  • It is an amazing remedy for stress.
  • This pose induces deep relaxation which helps in tissue rebuilding.
  • Helps in dealing with anxiety issues.
  • Helps in reducing high blood pressure.

Contraindications:

There are no contraindications as per yoga texts. Please do not practice if your doctor has advised so.

FAQs regarding savasana

Is shavasana a pranayama?

No, it is not a pranayama but is a preparatory pose for pranayama as mindful breathing is done in this asana while relaxing.

Is savasana spiritual?

No, there is nothing spiritual about savasana. It is just a way to relax the mind.

When should we do savasana?

Savasana should be done preferably after yoga practice to conclude it.

Do you play music during the savasana?

Personally, I don't like to play music (even meditation music) while doing savasana because it disturbs and does not allow you to get into a deep relaxation state. If it works for you, there is no issue with it.

What are the disadvantages of savasana?

There are no known disadvantages of savasana to any person healthy or not.

What is the meaning of savasana?

Savasana is made of two Sanskrit words, 'sava' and 'asana'. 'sava' means corpse and 'asana' means pose. It is a corpse-like pose that removes fatigue and calms the mind.

What is the difference between savasana and meditation?

Meditation is a state of awareness while savasana is a state of relaxation. Both are amazing for the body but their main objectives of reverse polarities.




Attribution:<a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/young-woman-savasana-pose-grey-studio-background_1281541.htm#query=savasana&position=2&from_view=search&track=sph">Image by yanalya</a> on Freepik




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