Shavasana Yoga (Corpse Pose): Meaning, Steps, Benefits

You may know Shavasana as one of the last poses of yoga to end your practice. When it comes to yoga, Shavasana is one of the most popular posts. While you may be tempted to skip practicing Shavasana as many assume it is a restful pose that doesn’t have any benefits apart from relaxation after a tiring yoga session, this couldn’t be further from the truth.  

Research shows that Shavasana eliminates both physical and mental fatigue and promotes deep relaxation that comes with many physiological benefits [1]. As per a study of patients recovering from Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery, Shavasana yoga resulted in lowering anxiety, resting heart rate, and blood pressure, which is why it is recommended during the rehabilitation of such heart procedures [2]. Moreover, Shavasana helps pregnant women reduce stress, repair damaged tissue, and get the body ready to sustain life, as per another study [3].  

In the same vein, Shavasana too is known to boost gut health, blood circulation, and inner peace. Now, with the onset of summer and the scorching heat, yoga has become a weapon to help you deal with seasonal adversities. So, learn the Shavasana meaning and understand why it is the right summer-specific yoga pose to get started on a journey of inner healing.  

What is Shavasana?

Shavasana, meaning corpse pose, is a simple pose of yoga. To get this posture right, all you need to do is lie down on your back and place your arms alongside your body. You should be extremely relaxed and lie on the yoga mat with your entire spine touching the surface.  

Shavasana Yoga Correct Pose

To start, lie down on your back and put your arms alongside the body. Make sure that your palms are facing up. If needed, put a small pillow for support under your head to rest your neck peacefully. The whole idea of this exercise is to bring your body to a resting position, so focus on relaxation and close your eyes.  

Inhale deeply and exhale, then continue to breathe normally. In this position, you need to focus on each part of your body, and with every inhale and exhale, bring your consciousness to each body part to experience it gaining its calm from within. Shift your attention to different parts of your body, starting from the head to the toe. Continue deep and slow breathing and release all your tension with each exhale. If you are comfortable doing this, you can also hold your breath for some time. This will help you bring back a new level of consciousness to your body, and it relaxes internally too. 

Benefits of Shavasana

Just like any other yoga pose, Shavasana too has myriad benefits.  

• It promotes digestion and allows the right amount of oxygen to reach all your internal organs 
• It relieves you of constipation and promotes gut health 
• It flushes out the undue stress and tension from your body, keeping you free of anxiety and depression 
• It helps you recover from insomnia, promoting a better sleep cycle 
• It improves concentration and focuses  
• It works as a mind soother, helping you boost your mental health 
• It keeps your blood pressure under control by enhancing blood circulation 
• It recharges and revitalizes your body from within 
• It is known to heal your body from imbalances, keeping it grounded and healthy 
• It lets you get back in shape in case you are suffering from asthma, diabetes, neurological problems, and more.

Things to Avoid for Shavasana Yoga

Even though Shavasana yoga looks like an easy posture, there are a few things that you must keep in mind when performing it. It is better to avoid practicing Shavasana in a noisy, chaotic environment. This will not let you reach a place of calm. 

When doing the exercise, do not move your body and stay focused, rather than letting your mind drift. Try to avoid disturbances in your thought trail and focus on your body. It is important to stay calm, but you should be mindful of not falling asleep when doing the posture. Always lie down on top of a mat on a hard surface like the floor when doing this pose, and avoid lying down on a mattress.

Now that you know the benefits of Shavasana, you can plan your day right with a morning yoga exercise routine that includes this pose. Continue your practice every day for at least 45 minutes, irrespective of the season. Once you get into the rhythm of yoga, it will be easy for you to adapt and execute the top yoga poses with finesse.  

In case you want to do yoga to treat certain ailments or want to learn some yoga poses to improve flexibility, you can do so easily by consulting an expert. To understand which poses to practice and get advice relating to health symptoms, simply log on to the Bajaj Finserv Health website or app. Here you can find naturopaths, orthopedics, and other reputed doctors near you. Start off your journey of well-being in just a click, thanks to teleconsultations. To get a doctor's consultation here, you do not have to step out of your home, and this makes the process even more safe, convenient, and quick!