How to do Savasana (Corpse Pose) and reap the benefits

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Savasana, also known as shavasana, is a regenerative asana in Sanskrit. In almost every yoga tradition, it is a central component of asana practise, and it is most often used at the end of a series as a means of relaxation and integration. It is often used to relax the body and mind at the start of a class in some classes, and it is often practised between postures in both Sivananda and Yoga Therapy to relax the nervous system.

The word comes from two Sanskrit roots: shava, which means “body,” and asana, which means “seat” or “posture.” “Savasana” is described as “lying down on the ground, like a corpse.” It relieves exhaustion and relaxes the mind. The common English name for savasana is corpse pose.

What is Savasana?

Whereas the goal of savasana (Shavasana) is to give the body and mind a rest, it is actually considered a very active pose in which the practitioner must stay completely conscious yet not try to sleep.

The body is positioned face-up mostly on the surface, including legs easily extended and arms relaxing alongside the body, palms facing up. The breathing ought to be normal, and the body should be in a neutral position that allows prana (life force energy) to naturally pass.

Why is Savasana So Important

It’s impressive to see how people respond to Savasana. Some people adore it; in reality, many people wish that Savasana was the focus of the entire 75-minute class! Others are less enthusiastic for a variety of reasons, including a fear of falling asleep and snoring or an inability to stop thinking. Whereas many others find lying excruciating, and it always gives them the creeps. Although it seems easier, it’s been said that it’s the most difficult pose.

It is a challenge for most people to clear their minds, particularly for those who can’t bear the thought of laying still. Fortunately, Savasana (Shavasana) is an essential part of the practice since it helps the mind and body to integrate the advantages of the practice. It’s the one pose that appears in every yoga class. Given this, let’s find more on the benefits and significance of this pose.

Savasana translates to Corpse Pose; the name may be a little unsettling, but it has nothing to do with death. It’s about the old you (the one who slips into the yoga state) dying and the new you (the one who just finished a delicious yoga pose) resurrecting. Savasana is similar to the pause button on your remote control; it allows your body to process all of the wonderful poses you have just completed. It also allows you to use meditation to put your asana (pose) into your self-awareness. Savasana is, in reality, a form of meditation. It does not feel like it if you are one of those people who dislikes it or if your mind wanders all around. Maybe, you could be making mental to-do lists, or you could be worried regarding your job or brunch.

First and foremost, why is this the case? In far more stressful poses, such as Garudasana (Eagle pose) or Utkatasana (Chair pose), your attention is likely to be on your melting legs instead of your grocery list. There are far fewer physical objects to concentrate on in Savasana, so it’s time to be in the present, let go of tension, and withdraw. Here are some suggestions if you’re experiencing difficulties calming your mind:

  • Avoid judging yourself and being too harsh on yourself for thinking! It’s natural; it won’t go anywhere, although you will be an analyst rather than a follower of the opinions.
  • Trying to add to the above, if you basically mark what is going on within your head as “thoughts” or “thinking,” it will lose its ability and removing it’ll become simpler.
  • Focus on the actual feeling of the belly raising and dropping, or the sound of the air at the nostrils, or you may count the duration of the in and out breaths, just like you do in your other positions.

Techniques & Benefits of Savasana

Possessing The Ability to Communicate With One’s Breath: We also take breathing for granted because it is a part of our autonomic nervous system; we don’t have to worry about it; it just happens. BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT WE CAN Regulate OUR BREATHE, MAKING IT LONGER AND DEEPER TO ASSIST US IN CALMATING OURSELVES INTO A STATE OF BEAUTY. Take note of how delicious each breath is in Savasana. Take pleasure in it.

Physical Pleasure: It’s a no-brainer that the body retains tension and stress related to health issues. Take advantage of Savasana (Shavasana) to let go of your stress. Start with your toes and mentally check your entire body for places of discomfort. Let go, send the air there, and psychologically instruct the spot to relax. It helps the cells to drown and dissolve into the ground.

Mental Sense of Calm: The environment and existence are a whirlwind of activity. When was the last time you had 5 minutes to yourself? Savasana is an open invitation to find some peace; it is the ideal time to turn off the old brain cells. Try one of the strategies mentioned earlier if you’re having trouble quieting your mind.

Take in the advantages of practising: In Savasana, all of the benefits of each practice are absorbed and integrated into your core strength, brain, and central nervous system. It helps the nerves and physical body (heart rate, blood pressure, etc.) to start to recover. It also impacts your work. Every pose requires effort, as well as the consistency that you can acquire in Savasana. In other words, physical activity is counterbalanced by a calm, concentrated mind and even breathing, as taught in Savasana.

Make Death Your Friend: There’s too much anxiety surrounding our impending death, but Savasana is calm and non-threatening, allowing us to accept our own impermanence.

How Long Savasana can be Hold

For every 30 minutes of practice, spend five minutes in Savasana. Start to deepen your breath before exiting the pose. Wiggling your fingers and toes to bring gentle movement and awareness back to your body. Roll over to your right side and lie down for a few moments.

Why Savasana is said as the Hardest Pose

It can sometimes be challenging to relax in Savasana if you first begin practising; you can find yourself nervous and looking at the ceiling. Alternatively, you may fall asleep as soon as you sit down, as some students do. The concept of Savasana is to rest while paying attention, that is, to stay aware and alert while remaining relaxed. When relaxing, staying conscious will help you realise and release long-held stresses in your body and mind.

The Bottom Line

Savasana is a wonderful yoga asana that provides many health benefits without requiring any physical exertion. If you suffer from emotional and physical fatigue, do it for 5-10 minutes a day.

Yoga Nidra is the most effective way to relieve tension at work, school, or at home simply by doing it on a regular basis. Savasana is beneficial to all and can be done alone at home.

By now you’ve figured out how to do Savasana at home. Are you having issues or have questions about Savasana practise, just talk to expert yoga guru. Well, to stay safe and comfortable, practise yoga asanas on a regular basis.

You may also like:-

How to Practice Vajrasana Spinal Twist Pose.
Halasana Pose – Step-by-Step Instructions.
Garudasana – Significance, Benefits & Tips

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