SHAVASANA: Corpse Pose

Peace and relaxation are very important in life. Many people sleep for hours but cannot relax.They do not know how to relax. So they turn to easily available drugs like sleeping pills or become addicted to smoking or drinking, thinking these will release tension. In fact, these are more dangerous than just ordinary tension. In yoga to release stress, strain and fatigue and achieve freshness and relaxation, one easy pose that can be performed without any effort is Shavasana.

Technique

Lie flat on your back, feet comfortably apart, arms and hands extended about six inches away from the body, palms facing upwards with half-folded fingers. Close your eyes. Now gently relax the feet, keeping them completely still. Then relax the knees, hips, back, stomach, chest, arms, neck and head. Then concentrate on rhythmic breathing. The abdomen should rise as you inhale and fall as you exhale. Breathing should be effortless and slow. The whole body becomes loose and limp. Remain in this position for 10-15 minutes.

Benefits

This is a simple and beneficial pose for everybody.

• It relaxes the whole psycho-physiological system

• Developes free flow of Pranic (vital) energy in the whole body

• Useful for persons suffering from blood pressure, diabetes, neurotic and psychosomatic diseases

• Positive results can be derived for those suffering from restlessness, depression, loss of memory and lack of confidence

• Shavasana, if practised in between other asanas (physical poses), mudras (powerful seals) and pranayamas (breathing techniques), increases the efficiency of their performance

• Initially Shavasana can be done for a minute which can be increased.

SHAVASANA: With face down

Technique

This is another type of Shavasana in which you lie face down on the ground.The whole body lies motionless with the head to one side so it rests on one ear. Arms should lie by your sides, with palms flat against the ground. Legs rest flat on the ground, with toes stretched out. Breathing normally, lie in this position for a few minutes till you feel relaxed. Free the mind of thoughts, till you reach a state of tranquility.

This asana should be practised to rest after all asanas that involve lying in a prone position like Bhunjangasana, Shalbhasana, Naukasana, Dhanurasana, etc.

Benefits

• All of the above included.Shavasana is a tranquilliser which can cure insomnia.

• Shavasana can be done as many times required to achieve desired effect of other asanas too.

Reach Meera, yoga therapist, Solace, at t2@abpmail.com.com