Shavasana

Yogasana for mental calmness- Shavasana

Yoga, meditation, exercises, etc all are meant for the well-being of our body as well as our mind. Yoga is a specialized form of yogic culture which are now also used as a form of ‘Yoga Therapy. This mode of treatment has been practiced in India from very ancient times. Yogic kriyas, asanas and pranayama constitute the physical basis of Yoga.

Yoga asanas and Pranayama should be practiced only after mastering the techniques with the help of a competent teacher. Asanas should always be practiced on an empty stomach. They are good and work well when performed at a leisurely slow-motion pace, maintaining poise and balance.

What is Shavasana?

Shavasana is also called the ‘Dead body pose or Corpse pose. The word is made of two Hindi/Sanskrit words; Shava which means dead body and Asana which means Pose or Posture. This pose gets its name from the recumbent posture of a dead body. It is a position of rest, and is usually practiced towards the end of a yoga session – a session that typically begins with activity and ends in rest; a space or pause when deep healing can take place.

Steps for Shavasana:-

There are many steps that will master and guide you on how to do this very asana;

1. Lie flat on your back, with feet comfortably apart, arms and hands extended about six inches from the body.
2. Your palms should be upwards and your fingers should be half-folded.
3. Close your eyes and make every part of your feet, legs, calves, knees, thighs, abdomen, hips, back, hands, arms, chest, shoulders, neck, head, and face relaxed.
4. Relax yourself completely feeling as if your whole body is lifeless.
5. Now concentrate your mind on breathing rhythmically as slowly and effortlessly as possible.
6. This creates a state of complete relaxation.
7. Remain motionless in this position, relinquishing all responsibilities and worries for 10 to 15 minutes.
8. In these 15 minutes, your mind should be free from any thinking. Think that this 15 minutes I your and you stay still in the pose.
9. Discontinue the exercise when your legs grow numb.

Benefits of Shavasana:-

As every exercise and asana has some benefits, similarly; Shavasana also holds many benefits with it which are listed as follows;

• This is an excellent way to ground the body and reduce the Vata dosha(imbalance of the air element) in the body.
• It strengthens your sex glands and kicks out any deformities from them.
• It tones up and relaxes the nerves of the head and face.
• It is good to combat stress.
• It helps pep up digestion and boosts the appetite.
• It provides relief in gas trouble, and lumbago and also cures constipation.
• It helps to improve concentration and keeps you relaxed.
• It is even good to cure mental disability and retardation.
• Shavasana releases stress from all muscles in the body. It relaxes the body and mind, giving a sense of well-being. It rejuvenates and rebuilds the body.
• It decreases the heart rate, the rate of respiration, and blood pressure.
• It reduces the metabolic rate, gives deep relaxation, reduces anxiety, alleviates mild depression, and improves sleep.

Contradictions for Shavasana:-

• It should be discontinued in; the Third trimester of pregnancy.
• After doing this, avoid going to sleep as this will prevent the decrease in nerve impulses as well as deep relaxation.

Guys, Shavasana is one of the easiest asanas to be performed; in addition, it is filled with benefits. It is like, getting a huge profit is very less investment. Go with yogasanas after all it is the gift of our ancient Indian tradition. Take care and live well!