Corpse Yoga Pose (Savasana) - Basic Yoga Exercise

Introduction

The Corpse Yoga Pose or Savasana is the classic relaxation Yoga Pose, practiced before or in between Asanas and as Final Relaxation (see further below). It looks deceptively simple, but it is in fact, one the most difficult Yoga Asanas and one which changes and develops through practice. At the end of an Asana session your Corpse Yoga Pose will be more complete than it was in the beginning because the other Yoga Asanas will have progressively stretched and relaxed your muscles. When you first lie down, look to see that you are lying symmetrically, as symmetry provides proper space for all parts to relax.

Now, start to work on the Pose. Rotate your legs in and out, then let them fall gently out to the sides. Do the same with your arms. Rotate the spine by turning your head from side to side to centre it. Then start stretching yourself out, as though someone were pulling your head away from your feet, your shoulders down and away from your neck, your legs down and away from your pelvis. Let gravity embrace you. Feel your weight pulling deeper into relaxation, melting your body into the floor. Breathe deeply and slowly from your abdomen, riding up and down on the breath, sinking deeper with each exhalation. Feel how your abdomen swells and falls. Many physiological changes are taking places such as reduction of the body's energy loss, removal of stress, your Respiration and pulse rate becomes lower, and your whole system is put to a state of rest. As you enter deep relaxation, you will feel your mind grow clear and detached.

The Front Corpse PoseLie down on your front, legs slightly apart, toes touching, and allow your heels to fall out to the sides. Make a pillow with your hands. Lengthen the body, tense and relax the muscles. Feel your body sinking into the floor as you exhale. Use this pose after any Asana performed on the abdomen, such as the Cobra or Bow, alternating on which side you place your head.

The Corpse PoseLie on your back, feel spread about 18 inches apart, and hands about 6 inches from your sides, palms up. Ease yourself into the pose, making sure the body is symmetrical. Let your thighs, knees and toes turn outward. Close your eyes and breathe deeply.

Abdominal BreathingTo check if you are breathing correctly, exhale and place your hands on your abdomen, fingers loosely interlocked. When you inhale, your abdomen should rise up, separating your hands.