Shavasana
Shavasana,Savasana (Sanskrit: शवासन; IAST: śavāsana), or Corpse Pose,[1] is an asana.
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[edit] Etymology
The name comes from the Sanskrit words Shava (शव, Śava) meaning "corpse",[2] and Asana (आसन, Āsana) meaning "posture" or "seat".[3]
[edit] Description
Lying on the back, the arms and legs are spread at about 45 degrees, the eyes are closed and the breath deep, using dirga (long) pranayama. The whole body is relaxed onto the floor with an awareness of the chest and abdomen rising and falling with each breath. All parts of the body are scanned for muscular tension of any kind, which is consciously released as it is found, optionally with a small repetitive movement of the area. All control of the breath, the mind, and the body is then released for the duration of the posture, typically 20-30 minutes although often less in Western yoga classes.
The posture is released by slowly deepening the breath, flexing the fingers and toes, reaching the arms above the head, stretching the whole body, exhaling, bringing the knees to the chest and rolling over to the side in a fetal position. After a short time and a slow inhalation, the practitioner takes a seated position.
Following an asana practice ending in shavasana, the body may be in the anabolic state of metabolism during which organ and muscle repair and development is occurring.[citation needed] Activities requiring the body to switch back to the highly active catabolic state of metabolism are therefore reintroduced sensitively, as the two states do not coexist well.
[edit] Benefits
It is intended to rejuvenate body, mind and spirit.
[edit] Contraindications and cautions
While shavasana is a good way to reduce stress and tension,[4] some recommend against it for meditation as it has a tendency to induce sleepiness[citation needed]. On the other hand, yoga-nidra ("yogic sleep") meditation is often practiced in a lying pose. Drowsiness or restlessness of the mind while in shavasana may be counteracted by increasing the rate and depth of breathing.
As a relaxation posture which may involve cooling after exertion, extra clothing or covering may be necessary.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "Yoga Journal - Corpse Pose". http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/482. Retrieved 2011-04-11.
- ^ "Shavasana - AshtangaYoga.info". http://www.ashtangayoga.info/practice/asana-vinyasa-series/the-finishing-sequence/item/shavasana/. Retrieved 2011-04-11.
- ^ Sinha, S.C. (1 June 1996). Dictionary of Philosophy. Anmol Publications PVT. LTD.. p. 18. ISBN 9788170412939. http://books.google.com/books?id=-zzRvh1fRzEC&pg=PA18. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- ^ Physical Education Class - XII. Rachna Sagar. p. 64. ISBN 9788181373502. http://books.google.com/books?id=DUf_UGAs3DAC&pg=PA64. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
[edit] Further reading
- Iyengar, B. K. S. (1 October 2005). Illustrated Light On Yoga. HarperCollins. ISBN 9788172236069. http://books.google.com/books?id=pbx5AAAACAAJ. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- Saraswati, Swami Janakananda (1 February 1992). Yoga, Tantra and Meditation in Daily Life. Weiser Books. ISBN 9780877287681. http://books.google.com/books?id=FVLqCyTMFikC. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
- Saraswati, Swami Satyananda (1 August 2003). Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha. Nesma Books India. ISBN 9788186336144. http://books.google.com/books?id=YpR1QgAACAAJ. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- Saraswati, Swami Satyananda (January 2004). A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya. Nesma Books India. ISBN 9788185787084. http://books.google.com/books?id=eWOrAAAACAAJ. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
[edit] External links
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