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)

  1. Lie flat on your back with your legs together but not touching, and your arms close to the body  with the palms facing up.  
  2. Keep your eyes gently closed with the facial muscles relaxed and breath deeply and slowly  through the nostrils.  
  3. 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.  
  4. 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: Naukasana

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