At the heart of every yoga practice lies the final resting pose, Savasana. Often referred to as "Corpse Pose," Savasana is the culmination of a yoga session, providing a tranquil and rejuvenating experience. As you lay flat on your back, arms gently resting at your sides, and palms facing upwards, Savasana invites you to release tension, let go of the outside world, and immerse yourself in a state of deep relaxation. In this article, we will explore the essence of Savasana, its significance, and the reasons why it is performed at the end of a yoga practice.
Understanding Savasana
Savasana is a Sanskrit word derived from two words: "sava" meaning corpse and "asana" meaning pose. Although the name may sound morbid, Savasana is a deeply relaxing and restorative posture that allows you to integrate the benefits of your yoga practice while experiencing profound relaxation.
The practice of Savasana involves lying flat on your back, with your arms extended alongside your body and palms facing upwards. Your legs are gently spread apart, allowing for a natural and comfortable alignment. The focus during this pose is on conscious relaxation, letting go of physical and mental tension, and surrendering to the present moment.
The Purpose of Savasana
- Deep Relaxation: Savasana induces a state of deep relaxation, both physically and mentally. By consciously releasing tension from the body and quieting the mind, this pose helps to relieve stress, anxiety, and fatigue. It allows you to unwind and enter a state of profound calmness.
- Integration: Throughout a yoga session, you engage in various asanas (poses), pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation. Savasana provides an opportunity for the body and mind to assimilate the benefits of these practices. It allows your system to restore balance, integrate the energy generated during the session, and bring a sense of unity to your being.
- Mindfulness and Awareness: Savasana is a moment of pure mindfulness. By consciously directing your attention to the present moment and your breath, you cultivate a heightened sense of awareness. This practice can extend beyond your yoga mat and become a valuable tool for staying present in your daily life.
- Stress Reduction: The practice of Savasana activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes the body's "rest-and-digest" response, counteracting the "fight-or-flight" response of the sympathetic nervous system. By triggering the relaxation response, Savasana helps reduce stress hormones such as cortisol and promotes overall well-being.
- Emotional Healing: In Savasana, you create a safe space for emotional release and healing. As you let go of physical tension and mental chatter, buried emotions may arise. By acknowledging and accepting these emotions without judgment, you can experience emotional release and find inner peace.
- Enhanced Concentration: Savasana acts as a bridge between the physical and meditative aspects of yoga. The deep relaxation achieved in this pose can lead to improved concentration and mental clarity. It prepares you for a state of focused meditation, allowing you to tap into your inner wisdom and intuition.
- Restoration of Energy: During an intense yoga practice, the body expends a significant amount of energy. Savasana replenishes your energy reserves by promoting deep rest and relaxation. It rejuvenates the body, mind, and spirit, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Want to know more?
There are some great online videos that can enhance your understanding and practice of Savasana. Here are some of my favorites:
- Let Sarah J Collins takes you through this guided and deeply relaxing savasana with full body scan. Find the time (17 and a half minutes) to fully immerse yourself and follow Sarah, you won’t regret it!
- If you’d like a shorter guided savasana, try this 5 and a half minutes savasana video by The Yoga Institute.
- If you’re short on time, this 1 minute class with Briohny Smyth by Alo Moves takes you through the basics.
In conclusion, Savasana is much more than simply lying down and closing your eyes at the end of a yoga session. It is a powerful practice that brings together the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of yoga. By consciously surrendering to the present moment and cultivating deep relaxation, Savasana enables the integration of your practice and offers a profound sense of calmness and renewal.