What Is Savasana (the Corpse Pose), How To Do It And Its Benefits?

Dec 20, 2023

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Savasana, What Is savasana, Benefits of savasana,

What Is Savasana (the Corpse Pose), How To Do It And Its Benefits?

Savasana, also known as the corpse pose, is a yoga relaxation pose. It is performed at the end of a yoga session to allow the body and brain to completely relax. In Savasana, the body is in a supine position i.e., lying flat on the back with the arms and legs straight. This pose helps manage stress, lower blood pressure, relieve tension, and promote deep relaxation and meditation.

One of the key benefits of Savasana is its ability to relieve muscular tension. By lying in a supine position and fully releasing the body onto the mat, individuals can experience a release of tension that may have built up during the yoga practice. This muscular tension relief contributes to the overall sense of relaxation and restoration that Savasana provides.
Savasana plays an essential role in stress management. By activating the relaxation response in the parasympathetic nervous system, this pose allows the body to enter a state of calmness. 
The calming and restorative effects of Savasana make it an essential part of any yoga practice for both a beginner or an experienced practitioner.

Savasana Highlights: 

  • Savasana, also known as the corpse pose, is a relaxation pose in yoga.

  • It involves lying flat on the back with the arms and legs extended.

  • Savasana helps manage stress, lower blood pressure, and relieve tension.

  • It promotes deep relaxation and meditation.

  • Incorporating Savasana into your yoga practice can lead to improved well-being

 Infographics of Savasana (the Corpse Pose)

Sanskrit Meaning of Savasana

The Sanskrit name for Savasana is "Savasana" which means corpse pose. It is also known as "Mrtasana," which translates to the pose of the dead.

How to practice Savasana 

  1. To practice Savasana, follow these step-by-step instructions:

  2. Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet on the ground

  3. Slowly lie back on your mat and extend your legs with your feet apart.

  4. Relax your arms by your sides, palms facing up.

  5. Close your eyes, soften your facial muscles, and let go of any tension in your body.

  6. Stay in this pose for at least 5 minutes, focusing on deep breaths and allowing your body to completely relax.

Remember to find a quiet and peaceful space for your Savasana practice. It's the ultimate relaxation pose, so make sure to create an environment that supports the calmness to your mind and body.

Take a moment to visualize your muscles releasing tension, and imagine each breath bringing in relaxation and peace. Allow any thoughts or worries to drift away as you surrender to the present moment. Savasana is your time to let go and find deep inner peace.

Beginner tips

If you find it difficult to quiet your mind during Savasana, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve a deeper state of relaxation.

Use an eye pillow

If you're easily distracted by light or visual stimuli, try using an eye pillow or a soft cloth to cover your eyes during Savasana. Blocking out light can help create a more serene atmosphere and enhance your relaxation experience.

Support your abdomen

For added comfort, consider placing a block or folded blankets horizontally across your lower abdomen. This gentle pressure can help relax your abdominal muscles and promote a deeper sense of relaxation.

Provide neck support

If you often experience tension in your neck during Savasana, try placing a folded blanket or cushion under your neck for support. This can help alleviate any discomfort and allow your neck to fully relax.

Relieve lower back tension

If you have tension in your lower back, try placing a rolled-up blanket or cushion under your knees during Savasana. This simple adjustment can provide additional support to your lower back and promote a more comfortable and relaxing pose.

By incorporating these beginner tips into your Savasana practice, you can enhance your relaxation experience and enjoy the full benefits of this rejuvenating pose.

Read Also: What Is Shalabhasana (Locust Pose), How To Do It And It's Benefits?

Variations of Savasana yoga Pose

There are various ways to enhance your Savasana experience and take it to the next level. Try these variations to deepen your relaxation and maximize the benefits of this pose.

1. Legs on a Chair

Placing your legs by placing them on a chair during Savasana can provide additional support and relief. Lie on your back with your legs extended and place a sturdy chair next to your mat. Slowly lift your legs and rest them on the chair, allowing your calf muscles to relax completely. This variation helps reduce tension in the legs and enhances blood circulation.

2. Knee Support

If you experience discomfort in the knee area during Savasana, adding knee support can help reducing the strain. Place a bolster, rolled blanket, or yoga mat under your knees while lying in Savasana. This extra padding provides comfort and reduces pressure on the knee joints, allowing for a more relaxing experience.

By exploring these variations, you can customize your Savasana practice to suit your specific needs and preferences. Incorporating these modifications can enhance your relaxation, promote better circulation, and provide additional comfort during this restorative pose.

Why We Love Savasana: The Importance of Relaxation and Meditation

Savasana, also known as the corpse pose, is a simple yet essential yoga pose that is often underestimated in its significance. It serves as a vital component of a yoga practice, allowing the body and mind to integrate the physical exercises and enter a state of deep relaxation.
Savasana provides a unique opportunity to recalibrate and reset, allowing the body and mind to rest and rejuvenate. By consciously surrendering to the pose, one can experience a profound sense of calm and clarity.
During Savasana, the practitioner can also experience a meditative state. By closing the eyes and focusing on the breath, it becomes easier to let go of distractions and enter a deeper level of meditation. This meditative aspect of Savasana enhances its ability to promote relaxation and facilitate mental clarity.
Engaging in a regular Savasana practice not only allows the body to recover and repair, but it also nurtures the mind and promotes overall well-being. The importance of Savasana lies in its ability to provide balance, restoration, and a profound sense of relaxation.

Silent benefits of Savasana:

  • Savasana offers an opportunity for integration and reflection after physical practice.

  • It allows the body to release any remaining tension and rejuvenate.

  • The meditative aspect of Savasana promotes inner peace and clarity of mind.

  • By calming the nervous system, Savasana helps manage stress and anxiety.

  • Savasana provides a nurturing space for self-care and self-reflection.

By dedicating time to Savasana at the end of each yoga session, one can experience the transformative power of relaxation and meditation. It is not just a pose; it is a practice of surrender and self-care.

Preparatory and Counter Poses

Before moving into Savasana, it is common to practice preparatory poses to help the body and mind transition into a state of complete relaxation. These poses serve as a gentle warm-up, preparing the body for the deep rest that Savasana offers. Some beneficial preparatory poses include:

  • Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

  • Balasana (Child's Pose)

  • Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose)

  • Marjaryasana-Bitilasana (Cat-Cow Pose)

These poses help to release tension, stretch the muscles, and calm the mind, allowing you to fully embrace the relaxation of Savasana.

After experiencing the rejuvenation of Savasana, it is common to follow it with Sukhasana (Easy Pose) for quiet meditation. Sukhasana helps integrate the benefits of Savasana, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful state of mind and extend the benefits of relaxation beyond the yoga practice.

Savasana provides the opportunity to rest and renew after your yoga practice, and Sukhasana allows you to carry that sense of calmness and balance with you off the mat.

It's important to note that there are no specific counter poses for Savasana, as it is considered the final pose of the yoga practice. The purpose of Savasana is to bring the body and mind to a state of deep relaxation, allowing you to fully absorb the benefits of your practice.

Points to remember before practicing savasana:

  • When transitioning from preparatory poses to Savasana, move mindfully and slowly, allowing your body to relax and settle into the final resting posture.

  • Sukhasana can be performed immediately after Savasana or at a later time during your meditation practice.

  • If additional support or comfort is needed during Savasana or Sukhasana, you can use props like bolsters, blankets, or blocks.

By incorporating preparatory poses and Sukhasana into your yoga practice, you can maximize the benefits of Savasana and enhance your overall experience of relaxation, meditation, and rejuvenation.

Also Read: What Is Gomukhasana Yoga (Cow Face Pose) & How To Do It? - A Step-by-Step Guide

Conclusion

Savasana, also known as the corpse pose, is a powerful and essential yoga pose that offers numerous benefits for the body and mind. This asana is underrated but this relaxation pose promotes deep relaxation, stress management, and meditation, making it a valuable addition to any yoga practice

One of the key benefits of Savasana is its ability to lower blood pressure and relieve tension. By lying in a supine position with the arms and legs extended, the body enters a state of complete relaxation, allowing any accumulated stress to dissipate.

This pose also helps to calm the mind and release muscular tension, promoting a sense of overall well-being.
So next time you roll out your yoga mat, remember to absorb the power of Savasana and unlock its enormous benefits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Savasana is a relaxation pose in yoga, also known as the corpse pose. It is performed by lying on the back with the arms and legs extended. This pose helps manage stress, lower blood pressure, relieve tension, and promote deep relaxation and meditation.

The Sanskrit name for Savasana is "Savasana," which means corpse pose. It is also known as "Mrtasana," which translates to the pose of the dead.

Savasana targets the entire body and helps manage stress by activating the relaxation response in the parasympathetic nervous system and relieving muscular tension.

To practice Savasana, lie on your back with your legs extended and your arms by your sides. Close your eyes, relax your muscles, and focus on deep breaths. Stay in this pose for at least 5 minutes.

Beginners can enhance their Savasana experience by using an eye pillow, supporting their abdomen and neck with props, and placing a rolled-up blanket under their knees for lower back support.

Yes, there are variations of Savasana that can enhance the experience. Some variations include elevating the legs by placing them on a chair or using knee support with props such as bolsters or blankets.

Savasana allows the body and mind to integrate the physical practice before entering a state of deep relaxation. It provides an opportunity to rest, rejuvenate, and induce a meditative state, bringing a sense of calm and clarity.

Any poses practiced before Savasana are considered preparatory poses. After Savasana, it is common to follow it with Sukhasana (Easy Pose) for quiet meditation. There are no specific counter poses for Savasana as it is the culmination of the yoga practice.

Savasana offers numerous benefits for the body and mind, including stress management, lower blood pressure, tension relief, improved sleep quality, and a deep state of relaxation and meditation.
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