Shavasana is also called ‘Mrutasana’. This asana
is very useful for meditation, Pranayama, Japa, etc. This asana should precede other asana. It
should be performed at intervals and also at the end. This asana relaxes the
muscles and the blood vessels. Though this asana appears simple, it is one of
the most difficult to master. The practice of this asana aims at releasing the
mind from the body. This asana is Yogic relaxation in the shortest possible
time. Relaxation of the body and the mind is necessary in this modern age of
commotion and materialism. Shavasana has been accepted as a remedy for
psychosomatic diseases caused on account of competitive and tumultuous life.
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Procedure
for Shavasana (Corpse Pose):
- Lie flat on the back.
- Place the hands a little away from the thighs with the palms up.
- Keep the eyes and the fists slightly closed.
- Stretch the legs out.
- Keep the heels together and the toes apart.
- Now close the eyes and breathe very slowly.
- Begin by consciously and gradually relaxing each part and each muscle of the body: feet, calves, knees, thighs, abdomen and hips.
- Then relax the muscle of the back, chest, arms, fingers, neck, head and face in that order.
- Inhale and exhale slowly and deeply.
- Relax the brain during exhalation.
- Direct your attention to the breathing, to the soul and God.
- Retain the meditation for ten to fifteen minutes.
- In this posture, one finds true relaxation and experiences rest, peace and plenitude.
- Those who suffer from excessive mental stress or heart-disease must practice only Shavasana regularly every day.
Advantages
of Shavasana (Corpse Pose):
- Right from the time of conception to the time of death innumerable processes continue operating incessantly inside the human body. Even when the body seems quiet or asleep these processes do not stop. It can be said that the relaxation of the body depends upon the scale of slowness of these operations, therefore an attempt is made to slow down these internal operations.
- Every activity inside the body needs oxygen, supplied through blood circulation. When we need more oxygen the circulation is increased which leads to an increase in respiration. In Shavasana an attempt is made to break this cycle by slowing down the speed of activities in the body. By practicing this asana the internal operations slow down, slowing the breath and therefore pacifying the mind. A new cycle is formed.
- Leads to a relaxed mind which allows you to see and relate to the world in a more realistic light, be more efficient in work and bring more happiness into life.
- Integrates the feeling of relaxation into the conscious and unconscious awareness.
- Relaxation of entire nervous system, body and mind.
- Relieves stress on the body and mind.
- Removes disturbing thoughts and tensions.
- Relaxes the muscles which lead to a decrease in the demand for blood and oxygen, giving the circulatory and respiratory systems a break.
- Beneficial for all stress related ailments.
- Rejuvenates the body and mind.
- Removes stress and fatigue.
- Improves the functioning of the brain.
- Decreases high blood pressure.
- Useful for preventing and improving heart complaints.
- When the body is relaxed the awareness of the mind increases and this leads to the development of pratyahara.
- Can be used for insomnia.
Therapeutics:
- All stress related diseases
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Heart complaints
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
