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Conscious Healthy Living
July 30, 2010
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Corpse Pose
Written by Yoga Lizard   

The Corpse Posture is also called Shavasana. Shava is the Sanskrit word for corpse. It is very beneficial in helping to relax the body and the mind. It is also a great way to begin and to end your Yoga sessions. Many people think that this particular asana is one of the easiest to do when in fact it can be quite difficult. Stilling the mind and the body is not always as simple as it sounds! See if you can stay awake in this posture.

Stay in this pose at least five minutes at the end of your yoga practice. You can pause in this pose throughout your asana practice to refresh and revitalize yourself. 

If you feel as though you’re going to fall asleep while doing the corpse posture, try bringing your feet closer together. Also, pay attention to your breathing; make sure it’s even and not forced. One of the many benefits of this relaxation posture is that it helps us to focus and become aware of areas in our bodies that may be holding onto stress and tension such as the jaw, shoulders or forehead. 

 

Instructions:

Begin by lying flat on your back with your arms at your sides, palms facing up. Your legs should be together but not touching one another.

Close your eyes and relax, breathe deeply and slowly through the nostrils. Some people find it helpful to envision a relaxing and serene environment.

Beginning with the top of your head, bring your attention to and slowly contract the muscles and then consciously relax them. Continue to work your way down your body, slowly contracting and relaxing the muscles in your face, neck, shoulders, upper arms, forearms, hands, back, chest, abdomen, buttocks, upper legs, calves, and feet.

Notice the sense of relaxation in your body and continue to breathe deeply, try to remain relaxed for as long as possible without drifting to sleep.

Open your eyes; stretch slowly. Hug your knees with your arms and roll onto your right side.

Slowly press yourself to a seated position allowing the head and neck to be the last things that come up to seated.
You may choose to close your practice with the sound of "Om."

Anatomical Focus

Relaxing Pose.

Benefits

This activates the parasympathetic nervous system. It's essential to do at the end of a practice.

Precautions

If you think you might fall asleep, be sure your neck is in a comfortable position. If you have a pillow under your neck, make sure the back of the head touches the floor.

Doshic Benefits

This is tridoshic. But it is very important that people with a Vata imbalance try to stay in Shavasana for 20 minutes.

Beginner Tips

Remember to close your eyes.

Variations

You can bring a blanket over you to stay warm as body temperature often drops in this pose.

* Please check with your physician before beginning any exercise program

Would you like to further discuss the  Corpse Pose? Please visit our forums by clicking here

 

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