Yoga is not just a series of postures or asanas; many of its movements aim to help one relax before or after a regimen. Although the yoga poses may appear simple, relaxation asanas demand a level of awareness to help the muscles release tension. One such pose you can do after a yoga session to help your body unwind or replenish is savasana.
What is the Savasana pose?
Savasana, sometimes referred to as the corpse position, is a calming yoga pose that is added at the end of every yoga pose. This pose keeps the harmony between concentration and relaxation intact. The Sanskrit terms “Shava,” which means corpse, and “asana,” which means posture, are combined to form the phrase “Savasana.” As a resting posture in between other yoga poses, it is the most basic pose in the yoga repertoire.
In addition to helping us become more steady and secure in life, this corpse yoga pose is also thought to revitalize Muladhara, the root chakra. You must lie face-up and comfortably rest your hands on each side of your body to perform this pose. Shut your eyes and stand with your legs slightly apart while inhaling deeply and slowly.
Why it’s difficult to perform Savasana
Although they appear to be relatively simple to execute, corpse position and savasana are not. It is far harder for people who are very flexible and perform well in yoga classes to lie down and relax their bodies than it is to execute key positions.
Telling your brain to relax is never an easy task. Numerous studies have demonstrated how hard it has become to give your body the rest it needs when your mind is continuously consumed by the daily grind.
Savasana is a joy that helps your body and mind unwind while preparing them to progressively adjust to the positive effects of the poses and postures offered by yoga chakras.
It may seem and feel hard at first to just lie there and try to unwind. While in the pose, you will frequently begin to feel sleepy and lethargic.
Beginner advice: Techniques for Perfecting Corpse Pose
- To begin, extend your legs and place your arms by your sides while lying on your back.
- Close your eyes and inhale deeply for multiple times.
- From head to toe, unwind your entire body.
- Release whatever stress or strain you may be carrying around in your body.
- For as long as you wish, hold this position and fully relax both your body and mind.
Benefits of Corpse Pose
You will benefit from deep healing and relaxation with Shavasana. Moreover, it relaxes the neurological system. You’ll feel rejuvenated after you’ve finished the posture. You can also practise this stance when you’re feeling worn out. It will rejuvenate you and reset every system in your body.
Handling Diabetes:
Posing in corpse pose, or savasana may help with diabetes management. Over time, practising savasana can help reduce stress, which is a major pathogenic factor in the development of diabetes.
Aids in Insomnia Relief:
Most people discover that Savasana aids in a comfortable and undisturbed night’s sleep. Try this pose if you have insomnia but don’t want to take medication.
Aids in developing resilience:
Building resilience while disciplining the mind and body to rest and recuperate from strenuous exertion is one of the advantages of Savasana. You are less likely to be unsettled by outside events when you can obtain that rest. You have a strong sense of inner confidence and are resilient in difficult conditions. You can learn to let go of all of life’s minor stresses and tensions by practising Savasana.
Lowers blood pressure:
Savasana relieves tension, relaxes the body, calms the mind, and lessens headaches, weariness, and insomnia. These are all the things that increase the risk of hypertension. Shavasana helps to reduce blood pressure by regulating these variables.
Targets sleeping hormones:
It eases tension, relaxes the nervous system, and permits total body relaxation. By encouraging mindfulness, the posture can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. It facilitates greater sleep and lets the muscles relax, allowing the body to fully heal.
How to do Corpse Pose?
- Knees bowed, feet flat on the ground, take a seat on the floor. Stack your weight on your forearms.
- Step your feet apart and evenly space your toes as you slowly lengthen your legs as you inhale.
- Your lower back should soften, but not flatten, as your pelvis front should narrow.
- Raise your pelvis off the ground and tuck your tailbone just a little bit. Bring your pelvis down.
- Create length in your neck by using your hands to raise the base of your skull away from the back.
- Use a folded blanket to support your head and neck if that seems more comfortable.
- Make sure your ears are not in the way of your shoulders.
- Stretch your arms perpendicularly from the floor towards the ceiling. Spread the shoulder blades apart from the spine and sway a little from side to side.
- After that, let your arms drop to the floor, equidistant from your sides.
- Extend your arms towards the bottom of the mat by turning them outward.
- Place your hands’ backs on the ground. Ensure that your shoulder blades are evenly positioned on the ground.
- Gently massage your lips and tongue, as well as the skin surrounding your ears, forehead, and nose.
- After allowing your eyes to drop to the back of your head, raise them to your heart.
- Hold this position for a minimum of five minutes.
- Exhale, then gently roll onto your side to get out. Inhale twice or three times.
- After exhaling one more, raise your torso by pressing your hands into the floor, and slowly raise your head.
Variations in Corpse Pose Yoga
Legs Up a Chair:
Attempt to recline on your back with your legs propped up on a chair. If the back of the chair obstructs your feet, you might need to flip it sideways. For additional comfort, you might also like to place a folded blanket on the chair.
Knee Support:
Adding knee support will help lessen the tension if you have discomfort in the knee area during Savasana. While reclining in Savasana, place a bolster, rolled blanket, or yoga mat beneath your knees. This additional cushioning makes the experience more comfortable and eases the strain on the knee joints.
Precautions
- Using a cushion or pillow might help ease back discomfort. Your knees will be supported by it. It is best to do the yoga pose when your body is warm. Try to do Savasana in a dimly lit area. As an alternative, you could shield your eyes. Light can cause mental diversion.
- People with high acidity may find it difficult to lie on their backs since their food stream may irritate them.
- You should practice this yoga posture with a cushion or pillow support if you have back, neck, or knee problems, even though it’s best to do so on a level, hard surface.
- Keep your body still throughout the process. It could cause diversions. Strike the Savasana stance on a hard, level surface. Practice it in a calm and serene environment.
- Excessive distraction might make it difficult to focus and drive the body. But this can aggravate your headache and irritate you even more.
- This is not an asana to practice in a noisy or distracting environment.
- Make an effort not to move while performing this pose. If you do, there isn’t any danger, but make sure you’re in a secure location.
Conclusion
Yoga is a great way to work on your strength and flexibility. Savasana is a straightforward remedy for all the stress our bodies have been programmed to hold. Whether done alone or in conjunction with other yoga poses, corpse poses, or savasana, it helps to deliberately calm the body, control breathing, and encourage a less stressful way of living. You can easily and hassle-free carry out this activity in your home without having to be an expert.
