Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Corpse pose
Corpse pose
The Story Behind the Name:
Corpse Pose / Savasana is the final pose of any yoga class and it is sometimes called Final Relaxation Pose. Its Sanskrit name, “Savasana” (shah-VAHS-uh-nuh), comes from two words. The first is “Sava” (meaning “corpse”), and the second is “asana” (meaning pose”). Savasana implies a depth of release that goes beyond simple relaxation. Savasana is a pose of total relaxation and the great yoga masters K. Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar even called Savasana the most difficult of all yoga poses. Even though Corpse Pose (Savasana) is a resting pose, it’s not the same a sleeping. You should try to stay present and aware during the five to 10 minutes you spend in final relaxation.
Difficulty Level:
- Beginner
Drishti point:
- Closed Eyes
Technical details and how to start:
- Lay on your back.
- Feet spread hip with apart.
- Palms outside facing up.
- Relax every part of your body from your face to your fingers and toes doing the body scan.
- Stay in this pose for as long as you want.
- Put some relaxation music if you want.
- Dim the lights.
Health Benefits:
- Finish your yoga class with Corpse Pose, or Savasana. This pose helps you relax and learn to let go of stress. It’s a mini meditation session at the end of your yoga practice.
Beginner’s tips
- Place a bolster or blankets under the low back and/or knees.
Safety Precautions
- If you have low back tenderness or stiffness, a rolled blanket or bolster under your knees helps bring the pelvis into a more comfortable position.
- If you are pregnant, use a rolled blanket or bolster to raise your head and chest.
Please Note:
People who decide to start practising Yoga and who are suffering from any cardiac problem, asthma, back pain, high blood pressure, neck, shoulder or spine injury or any other health related issue, should consult a doctor before starting any yogic activities and eliminate the positions that are not suitable for their particular case. Also, some particular asanas such as inversion asanas are not recommended for female practitioners who are menstruating.
