Shavasana (Corpse Pose): Steps, Health Benefits & Contraindication

Shavasana (Savasana) or Corpse pose is a yogic relaxation pose usually done at the end of yoga practise. The word ‘Shavasana’ is a combination of two Sanskrit words ‘Shava’ meaning corpse and ‘asana’ meaning posture or seat. It is the simplest yoga pose and one of the main relaxation poses used in yoga. It is mostly performed at the beginning and at the end of yoga practices. It is also used as a resting pose between other yoga poses.

Here’s the step-by-step procedure, health benefits and contraindication of shavasana (corpse pose).

How To Do Shavasana?

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1. Lie down flat on your back over the mat.
2. Keep your hands beside the body and spread them out with palms facing upward.
3. Spread your legs at a slight angle and feel as much relaxed as you can.
4. Allow all your body muscles to relax.
5. Breathe slowly and deeply. Focus your attention on abdomen and notice the slow and rhythmic abdominal breathing.
6. Stay in this position for as long as you want, the duration can be from 5 to 30 minutes. But make sure you don’t fall asleep in the process.
7. Release the pose by slowly getting back your hands and legs back in place and get up.

Health Benefits Of Corpse Pose

• Reduces blood pressure, breathing/heart rate and mild depression
• Relieves insomnia, stress and anxiety
• Relaxes body and mind deeply
• Rejuvenates the whole body system
• Improves sleep
• Reduces Vata dosha (imbalance of the air element) in body

Contraindications

• People who are not advised to lie on back should avoid this pose.
• One who is suffering with severe acidity may hurt himself/herself to lying on the back because food pipe may displease your body system.