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Savasana
also known as Mrtaasana or "Corpse Pose" is an ultimate relaxing pose
that is mainly practiced as a concluding asana at any yoga session.
The word Mrta and Shava refers to dead body in Sanskrit. In this pose
one loosen all his limbs and lie motionless as a dead person thus the
name Savasana. It is one of the most difficult to master poses because
though lying relaxed and motionless one should be fully conscious and
awaken. The "conscious" part of Savasana is the most difficult because
people tend to drift off to sleep while doing Savasana. This relaxing
posture rejuvenates one's body, mind and spirit. |
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How
to practice Savasana? |
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Start with sitting in Dandasana with your legs stretched in front
and hands resting on your sides. Then bend your knees and move
your torso backward while resting your elbows on the floor. Rest
your torso with arms at a 45-degree angle to your torso and palms
facing up. Now extend your legs slightly apart with your feet
naturally fall to either side. Now relax completely. The back of
the neck should be extended, chin slightly tucked in toward the
chest, lengthening the upper spine. |
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Take care that the spine and legs are aligned and that you are
evenly relaxed on the right and left sides. If this pose is done
at the end of a session, remain in Savasana for about five
minutes, breathing easily. To come out of the position without
disturbing your peaceful state, stretch out your body and take a
deep breath. Roll onto your side into the fetal position, then
gradually ease your way up to a sitting or standing position,
moving slowly without any sudden or jerky movements. |
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What
are the benefits of practicing Savasana? |
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It is
an ultimate relaxing pose that provides relaxation to mind and body as
well. It calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression. It
reduces headache, fatigue, nervousness and helps to cure asthma,
constipation, diabetes, indigestion, insomnia, and lumbago. It improves
concentration also.
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What
are the cautions? |
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If you
have back injury or discomfort then do this pose with your knees bent and
your feet on the floor or support the bent knees on a bolster. Pregnant
women can raise their head and chest on a bolster if they wish to do this
asana.
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