In sanskrit, Sava means corpse and asana means a pose.

How to do Savasana

• Lie flat on your back, preferably without any props or cushions. Close your eyes.
• After comfortably lying down, keep your legs apart. Let your feet and knees relax completely, toes facing to the sides.
• Place your arms alongside your body, slightly apart from the torso. Leave your palms open, facing upwards.
• Relax and slowly draw your attention to each and every part of your body. Start concentrating and paying attention beginning from your toes, upwards.
• Keep breathing slowly, gently, and deeply and allow your breath to relax you more and more. As you breath in your body will be energized and as you breathe out, your body will calm down. Just focus on yourself and your body. Forget all works and priorities. Allow your body to relax completely. Make sure you do not fall asleep. If you feel a sense of entering deep sleep quickly start deep and rapid breathing. Concentrating on breathing will also avoid you from sleeping.
• Keep yourself in this asana for 10 - 15 minutes. When you feel that your body is fully relaxed and refreshed, slowly roll on to one side. Don’t open your eyes.
• Stay in this lateral position for about 1 minute or so.
• Slowly wake up and sit up.
• Take a few deep breaths in and out as you gradually become aware of your environment and the body.
• When you feel complete, slowly and gently open your eyes.

Benefits of Savasana

• Savasana relaxes, refreshes and rejuvenates your body.
• This posture brings your body to a state of deep meditation.
• It relaxes body and mind, giving a sense of well being.
• Helps in relieving stress, anxiety, depression, reduce blood pressure and insomnia.
• It improves memory and concentration.
• It helps in increasing energy level in the body. It boosts the whole system with extreme energy and initiates proper functioning and productivity of cells, tissues and organs.
• Savasana is also a good remedy for neurological problems, asthma, indigestion, constipation and diabetes.

Contraindication of Savasana

Savasana is one among the safest asanas and can be practiced by everyone. Pregnant women should rest their head and chest on a bolster for comfort while performing savasana.