The asana is pronounced as sha-vah-sa-na
“Sava” – Corpse; “Asana” – Pose
The Sanskrit word “Shava” mean corpse hence this is the Corpse. The shava-asana is also known as the “mrta-asana“. This pose gets its name from the recumbent posture of a dead body. It is a position of rest and relaxation, and is usually practiced towards the end of a yoga session – a session that typically begins with activity and ends in rest; a space or pause when deep healing can take place.
How to do Savasana (Corpse Pose)
- Lie flat on your back with your legs together but not touching, and your arms close to the body with the palms facing up.
- Keep your eyes gently closed with the facial muscles relaxed and breath deeply and slowly through the nostrils.
- Starting at the top of the head and working your way down to the feet, bring your attention to each part of your body, consciously relaxing it before proceeding on to the next.
- Remain in the shava-asana for between 3 and 5 minutes or longer. If you become sleepy while in the shava-asana begin to breath a bit faster and deeper.
Duration/Repetitions:
We recommend that you begin your period of yoga-asana practice with at least 3-5 minutes of shava asana. Return to it periodically throughout your posture session to relax and rejuvenate the body/mind and then conclude your session with at least 3-5 minutes more.
Benefits of Savasana
- This posture brings a deep, meditative state of rest, which may help in the repair of tissues and cells, and in releasing stress. It also gives time for the yoga workout to sink in at a deeper level
- This posture leaves you in a state of rejuvenation. It is the perfect way to end a yoga session, particularly if it has been a fast-paced one.
- It helps reduce blood pressure, anxiety, and insomnia.
- This is an excellent way to ground the body and reduce the Vata dosha (imbalance of the air element) in the body.
Contraindications
None (unless your doctor has advised you, for some medical reason, to avoid lying on your back).
All Yoga Poses Previous yoga pose: Vishnuasana Next yoga pose: NaukasanaFAQ’s on Shavasana (Corpse Pose)
Savasana means – ‘shava’ means corpse and ‘asana’ means pose or posture. Savasana is a restorative asana that removes fatigue and gives rest to the mind.
Savasana or corpse pose is an important restorative asana to remove fatigue and provide rest to the body and mind. Its benefits are: repair tissues and cells, releases stress, Savasana is the time when your yoga workout sinks deep in the body system. Reduce blood pressure, anxiety, and insomnia, reduce vata dosha
We do Savasana or corpse pose for the following benefits: repair tissues and cells , releases stress, Savasana is the time when your yoga workout sinks deep in the body system, reduce blood pressure, anxiety, and insomnia , reduce vata dosha , calms the nervous system
Steps for Savasana: 1. Lie down flat on your back preferably without any props. If required place a small pillow beneath the neck. Gently close your eyes. 2. Keep legs shoulder-width apart. Toes pointed outside. 3. Keep arms by your side away from your body and palms facing the sky. 4. Take attention to different parts of your body one by one starting from your right foot. 5. Just relax with every incoming and outgoing breath. 6. After around 15-20 minutes, roll on your right side for a few breaths and then sit up in sukhasana with eyes closed. 7. Become aware of the environment and the body. Whenever you feel complete, you may gently open your eyes.
Yes, it is easy for those who can stay still without moving at all.
People who have been prescribed by the doctor not to lie on their back for some medical reason should not do Savasana.
Shavasana is called a corpse pose as you lie down in the posture of a dead body. The body is so still that you are aware of the chest and abdomen rise and fall with each breath.
Twelve steps are performed in a surya namaskar.
Savasana seems to be the hardest pose for those who can’t remain still even for a moment. The basic requirement of Savasana is to be still like a dead body.
You can fall asleep in Savasana in the initial days of practice. But eventually, you are required to experience restful wakefulness.
Laying down yoga pose like a dead body is called corpse pose or Savasana or shavasana
Sit up tall. Back rested onto your chair. Relax the out stretched arms by your sides. Legs relax on the floor and close your eyes. Maintain the stillness of your body to avoid any distractions. Slowly thoughts quieten and rest seep in the body and mind.
Yes, Savasana is a meditative asana. Also a preparatory pose for yog nidra meditation.
1. Your left nostril comes on the top when you roll on the right side. This keeps your ida nadi active and your body cool and calm. 2. Your heart on the left side is free from pressure as you roll on the right side.
