Everything you need to know about savasana, also known as corpse pose

Eliminate tension with the savasana posture.

''Savasana'' a Sanskrit term meaning corpse posture . Not a very flattering name, but an asana that visually resembles a corpse. Indeed, in this position lying on the back and motionless, the body is relaxed and the mind soothed. Your attention is focused on your fleshly envelope in a silence conducive to relaxation. You find the savasana posture very often at the end of the session, in yoga classes for the final relaxation. Bringing zenitude and letting go, savasana also has virtues on your health.

The practice of savasana in yoga

The corpse pose allows relaxation and recharges the batteries both at the end of a stressful day and at the end of a yoga session. After a yoga class and the realization of its asanas, savasana is essential and it is important not to ignore it, because your body and your mind store all the virtues and postures in order to facilitate the progress of the next class.

Be careful not to confuse savasana meditation with yoga nidra. The latter is a discipline guided by the voice of the yoga teacher and consists of visualizing a positive image expressing the ideal that the yogi wishes to achieve. We advise you to try yoga nidra before practicing savasana in order to appreciate its benefits and achieve it more easily.

How to do corpse pose correctly?

Performing the corpse pose may seem simple at first. In reality, it is not so simple. Allow 10 minutes to relax without losing patience or falling asleep. Lie down on a comfortable yoga mat (such as those for gentle yoga). Your entire back should be glued to the floor, your legs should be stretched out slightly apart and your toes pointed outward. As for your arms, they should be placed on the mat, away from your abdomen, and your palms facing upwards. Once in the correct position, close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply.

During the savasana discipline , you feel your body sink into the ground and you become aware of each limb (starting with your toes and up to above your head) before relaxing it completely. Empty your head and focus only on your breathing which becomes more and more regular. If you want to move, resist so as not to disturb your deep relaxation . However, do not feel guilty if you have thoughts that cross your mind. Let them do like a passing wave and focus again on your breathing.

The various benefits of savasana

Savasana meditation brings many benefits to the body (health) and mind just like yoga:

• Reduces stress, anxiety and insomnia,
• Relax your muscles and your mind,
• Allows you to live more consciously and in the present moment while letting go,
• Helps to be more aware of your breathing and body,
• Recharge your energy,
• Increases your concentration,
• Facilitates falling asleep,
• Reduces headaches and fatigue,
• Reduces blood pressure.

To learn more about what the practice of yoga nidra is, visit the article in the Tayronalife blog.