9 Benefits of Savasana (Corpse Pose) and How to Do it?

Introduction

Welcome to our enlightening exploration of Savasana, also popularly known as the Corpse Pose. Yoga, an age-old practice rooted in Indian culture, offers us a plethora of poses, each providing unique benefits. Today, we will delve into one such remarkable pose – Savasana. The keyphrases you will encounter in this journey are: benefit of shavasana, savasana contraindications, shavasana, savasana position and savasana corpse pose. Now, let’s embark on this enlightening journey.

What is Savasana?

Savasana or Shavasana, commonly referred to as the Corpse Pose, is a fundamental yoga posture primarily utilized for relaxation and integration at the end of a yoga session. The term ‘Savasana’ emanates from the Sanskrit words ‘shava’, meaning ‘corpse’, and ‘asana’, implying ‘posture’ or ‘seat’. The savasana position is characterized by lying flat on your back with arms and legs comfortably spread out, eyes closed, and your body relaxed – almost as if you are mimicking a resting corpse.

But why should we adopt such a pose? The answer lies in the multiple purposes:

How to do it?

To begin performing the Shavasana, or the corpse pose, here’s what you do:

1. Lie down on your back with your legs straight. Let your arms rest relaxed by your sides.
2. Allow your feet to find a natural position and keep your palms turned upwards in a gesture of receiving.
3. Close your eyes to help focus inward.

As you lie still, breathe naturally and let your body feel heavy against the ground beneath you. This helps in releasing tension from every part of your body, from the soles of your feet to the top of your head.

Exiting the pose:

1. Slowly bring back awareness to your physical body.
2. Begin by wriggling your fingers and toes.
3. With eyes still closed, draw your knees up and slowly roll over onto either side.
4. Rest in this position for a moment before rising to a comfortable seated position with an inhale.

This peace and calm that you experience in Savasana should accompany you for the rest of the day.

Benefits of Savasana

Savasana, also known as the Corpse Pose, boasts a myriad of benefits. It can aid both your physical and mental health, offering an oasis of tranquillity amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. Let’s explore each of these benefits in more detail.

1) Deep Relaxation

At its core, Savasana is a pose designed to induce deep relaxation. By simply lying still and focusing on your breath, you can help your body release all existing tension. This both encourages a profound sense of peace and enables a more tranquil state of mind. It offers a soothing balm to the chaos of everyday life, making it a pose that truly embodies the benefit of Shavasana.

2) Stress Reduction

Savasana has a significant impact on your stress levels. This pose stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts your body’s stress response. In essence, regular practice of Savasana can lead to decreased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), promoting a calmer state of both mind and body. If stress is an unwelcome guest in your life, incorporating Savasana into your routine could be the answer you’re seeking.

3) Improved Concentration

One key advantage of Savasana is that it encourages mindfulness, enhancing concentration and focus. Quietening the mind in this pose can boost your ability to concentrate on daily tasks and activities. If you’ve been struggling to maintain focus or experiencing frequent bouts of absent-mindedness, the Savasana pose might be the solution.

4) Enhanced Sleep Quality

If you struggle with sleep problems or insomnia, Savasana might offer some relief. Practising this pose can improve your overall sleep quality. The relaxation techniques learned in this pose could be incorporated into your bedtime routine, promoting restful sleep nights.

5) Reduced Blood Pressure

Did you know that the calming effects of Savasana could potentially lead to lower blood pressure levels? By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, this pose could contribute to better cardiovascular health. If high blood pressure is a concern, adding Savasana to your wellness routine might be beneficial.

6) Muscle Relaxation

For those who engage in physical activities or workouts, the Savasana pose offers the benefit of muscle relaxation. It allows your muscles to fully relax post a yoga session, helping to alleviate any tension and soreness.

7) Improved Mental Clarity

The simple act of stillness and focus on breath in Savasana can lead to improved mental clarity. Frequently, practitioners report feeling more clear-headed and focused post this pose, aiding them in decision making and problem-solving.

8) Emotional Balance

Savasana provides a safe space for emotional release and processing. By fostering a sense of calm and acceptance, it helps individuals manage their emotions more effectively, cultivating emotional resilience. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety or just looking for emotional stability, Savasana can help.

9) Enhanced Body Awareness

Last but not least, Savasana encourages a deeper connection with your body. Practitioners become more aware of physical sensations, tension and areas that may need attention, promoting overall body awareness and mindfulness. If you’re looking for a deeper connection with your body, practising the Savasana pose is an excellent place to start.

Also Read: Yoga for Mental Health

Conclusion

In the fast-paced world we live in today, finding ways to slow down, relax our body and mind becomes essential. Incorporating Shavasana, also known as the corpse pose, into your yoga practice can yield significant benefits for both the body and mind. Whether you are looking to reduce stress, improve focus, or enhance your overall well-being, Shavasana serves as a powerful tool for achieving a state of relaxation and integration. The benefit of Shavasana is not limited to yoga enthusiasts alone; anyone seeking mental tranquillity can make use of this restorative pose.

FAQs

References

• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281609683_A_Study_on_the_Effect_of_Relaxation_Techniques_and_Shavasana_on_Stress_and_Pulse_Rates_of_Medical_Students
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3193654/