What Is Savasana Pose (The Corpse Pose) How To Do It And It's Benefits?

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Savasana, What Is savasana, Benefits of savasana,

Savasana, also known as the corpse pose, is a resting pose and yoga relaxation pose. It is performed at the end of a yoga session to allow the body and brain to relax completely. 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 reduce stress, lower blood pressure, relieve tension, and promote deep relaxation and meditation.

One of the key benefits of this relaxation pose 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.

This pose plays an essential role in stress management. Activating the relaxation response in the parasympathetic nervous system it allows the body to enter a state of calmness. The calming and restorative effects make it an essential part of any yoga practice for both beginners and experienced practitioners.

Savasana Pose Highlights: 

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

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

  • It promotes deep relaxation and meditation.

  • Including this relaxation pose in your yoga practice can lead to improved well-being.

 Infographics of Savasana (the Corpse Pose)

Sanskrit Meaning of Savasana Pose

The Sanskrit word for Savasana is Śavāsana (शवासन),  Śava (शव) – meaning "corpse" and Āsana (आसन) – meaning "pose" or "posture"

How to practice Savasana 

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

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

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

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

  5. 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 of 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. It's your time to let go and find deep inner peace.

Beginner tips

If you find it difficult to quiet your mind during this pose, 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 this pose.  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 this pose, 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.

Relieves lower back tension

If lower back tension is a problem, try placing a rolled-up blanket or cushion under your knees during this resting pose. This simple adjustment can provide additional support and promote a more comfortable and relaxing experience.

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

Variations of Corpse pose

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

1. Legs on a Chair

Positioning your legs on a chair during this posture can provide supplementary support and relief from discomfort. 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 this pose, adding knee support can help reduce the strain. Place a bolster, rolled blanket, or yoga mat under your knees while lying down. This extra padding provides comfort and reduces pressure on the knee joints, allowing for a more relaxing experience.

By trying these different approaches, you can create a customized relaxation routine that perfectly matches your comfort and desired experience. 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

It is a simple yet essential yoga pose." This part establishes the subject and its basic characteristics. It serves as a vital component of yoga practice, allowing the body and mind to integrate the physical exercises and enter a state of deep relaxation.
This pose 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 this posture, 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.
Regularly engaging in this resting pose allows the body to recover and repair, but it also nurtures the mind and promotes overall well-being. This practice is essential for its ability to provide equilibrium, rejuvenation, and a deep state of relaxation.

Silent benefits of Savasana pose:

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

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

  • The meditative elements of this relaxation encourage inner serenity and mental lucidity.

  • Calming the nervous system It helps to regulate stress and anxiety levels.

  • This posture provides a gentle space for self-nurturing and reflective thought.

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 experience the resting pose.

Once the revitalizing benefits of the resting pose have been felt, it is common to follow it with Sukhasana (Easy Pose) for quiet meditation. Sukhasana helps to integrate the restorative effects of the resting pose, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful state of mind and extend the benefits of relaxation beyond the yoga practice.

This posture 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. It aims 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 the final resting posture, move mindfully and slowly, letting your body relax and settle.

  • 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 this asana 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

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 Corpse pose 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 the relaxation pose 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.

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

Begin this posture by lying flat on your back, legs outstretched and arms resting alongside your body. Shut your eyes, let go of any muscle tightness, and direct your attention to long, deep breaths. Hold this position for at least five minutes.

Beginners can enhance their 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 many variations 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 asanas practiced before the resting pose are categorized as preparatory poses. Sukhasana (Easy Pose) is often practiced after this pose for a time of quiet meditation. As this is the final pose of yoga practice, there are no counter poses.

It 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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