Savasana Yoga Pose (Corpse Pose)



Information on Yoga Asana Savasana (Corpse Yoga Pose) Meaning & Uses


Shavasana or Savasana is usually known among yoga enthusiast as Corpse Pose. This posture is also known as Mrtasana. It is a final relaxation asana or posture that is perfectly practiced at the successful completion of the 12 basic postures. It really relaxes the mind and body. The name of this particular asana is derived from the Sanskrit language words, Shava or Sava means corpse plus asana means posture. This particular asana is the significant part of the practice of yoga postures or asanas. It is asana that is practiced by lying on the back with the legs and arms are perfectly spread at an angle of 45 degrees, using deergha pranayama, the breath deep and the eyes are closed. In this asana, the complete body is totally relaxed onto the ground with an awareness of the abdomen and chest rising and falling with each and every breath. It is one of the important asana or posture that is given significant status in the practice of yoga.

Savasana (Corpse Pose) Steps / Instructions / Procedure

Perfectly follow the following steps in order to complete the Shavasana or Corpse Pose -

  1. On the floor, lie down on the back.

  2. Do let the feet just fall out to either side.

  3. Then slow and steadily bring the arms alongside the body.

  4. Do turn the palms to face directly upwards.

  5. Then relax the whole body.

  6. Do let the breath naturally occur.

  7. With deep breath move the toes and fingers, awakening the whole body.

  8. Then bring the knees into the chest plus roll over to one side.

  9. Do keep the eyes tightly closed.

  10. Slow and steadily do bring yourself back up into a sitting posture.

Savasana (Corpse Pose) Anatomical Focus

The anatomical focus of Shavasana or Corpse Pose gives emphases for the whole body particularly back, legs, hands and head.

Savasana (Corpse Pose) Therapeutic Applications

The therapeutic applications of Shavasana or Corpse Pose are related to all stress related diseases, High blood pressure, Fatigue, Heart complaints, Anxiety and Insomnia.

Savasana (Corpse Pose) Medical Health Benefits

There are many benefits of Shavasana or Corpse Pose. Few of them are as follows -

  1. It really calms the brain.

  2. It helps relieve mild depression and stress.

  3. It completely relaxes the whole body.

  4. It largely assists to reduce fatigue, headache and insomnia.

  5. It helps to lower blood pressure.

  6. It relaxes central nervous system.

  7. It perfectly decreases beta brain waves plus rightly shifts to slower brain waves.

  8. It reduces insomnia.

  9. It helps improve your good sleep.

  10. It rejuvenates mind, body and spirit.

  11. It gives chance for the whole body to reset and regroup with a lot of perfection.

  12. It helps to balance the body.

  13. It helps in the reduction of general anxiety.

  14. It decreases the rate of respiration and heart rate.

  15. It decreases blood pressure and muscle tension.

  16. It decreases the consumption of oxygen and metabolic rate.

  17. It increases the general productivity and energy levels.

  18. It helps in improving concentration and memory.

  19. It improves self-confidence.

  20. It perfectly integrates the nervous system.

  21. It reduces mental stress and physical strain.

  22. It makes the body fit and fine for personal and professional life.

  23. It keeps the mind calm and cool.

  24. It makes the body and mind feel really fresh.

  25. It totally relaxes the whole body.

Savasana (Corpse Pose) Contraindications and Cautions

Those who are suffering from health problem like back injuries are advised not to indulge in Shavasana or Corpse Pose. It is highly suggested pregnant women to stay away from this particular asana. Those who are suffering from respiratory problems are highly advised to stay away from indulging in this particular asana.

Savasana (Corpse Pose) Beginner's Tip

In this particular pose, it is often very difficult to perfectly soften the groins and release the heads of the thigh bones. This situation and circumstance creates more tension throughout the whole body plus largely restricts the breath. Do take the assists of a yoga instructor while indulging in Shavasana or Corpse Pose. Never perform this posture when you are alone in the practice session.

Savasana (Corpse Pose) Variations

The variation of Shavasana or Corpse Pose are Makrasana or Crocodile Pose, Side-Lying Savasana, Blankets Supporting Torso or Restorative Savasana, Savasana with Chair Support, Savasana with Head Support and Savasana with Knee Support. Further variations can be performed with the assistance of yoga instructor as per the need of practice in the yoga sessions for beginners.

Savasana (Corpse Pose) Modifications and Props

With the legs turned out, Savasana is usually performed. It is to be remembered that most of the asana or postures are practiced with lots of outward rotation of the legs. On the other hand, it really feels better to do this particular pose with the legs just turned in.

Savasana (Corpse Pose) Partnering

According to the yoga legends, it is more useful to take the help of a partner in Savasana. A partner can assist to check your any type of physical alignment especially on your head and back. A partner can observe you while you are indulging in the asana or posture as per the given steps and instruction. He or she can advise when you do a mistake and pat on your back when you perform each and every thing in the right manner. It also gives you a feel of being in a group while practicing yoga sessions.

Savasana (Corpse Pose) Preparatory Poses

The Savasana or corpse pose must largely conclude both your postures plus your pranayama practices with a lot of perfection.

Savasana (Corpse Pose) Follow up Poses

The follow up poses are instructed by the yoga instructor as per the given situations and circumstances.

Savasana (Corpse Pose) Deepen the Pose

In order to assist quiet the mind and release the brain in Savasana. Take the help of a 10-pound sand bag or a solid block. It is to be highly noted that after perfectly reclining on the ground, do position the solid block on the ground just above your head. The solid block must sit on one of its sides and with one of its other ends touching lightly your crown. On the other hand, then directly lay the sand bag half just on the block plus half on your forehead with a lot of perfection.