Corpse Pose, or Savasana in Sanskrit, is a deep, relaxing and restorative yoga pose. It encourages the practitioner to completely surrender, letting every muscle relax into the mat. Oftentimes used at the very end of a practice, this pose is known to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and promote a sense of inner peace and tranquility. Although a simple, low-effort pose, it requires deep mental effort of simply being.
How do you do Corpse Pose?
Step 1.
Lie down on your back with arms at your sides, palms facing up.
Step 2.
Extend your legs straight out in front of you, as wide as the mat. Allow your inner legs to externally rotate towards the outer legs, feet fall naturally out to the sides.
Step 3.
Close your eyes and relax the body.
Step 4.
To come out, slowly bring awareness back to your body. Wiggle your fingers and toes, stretch your arms overhead, and gently roll to your side. Take a few deep breaths on your side before sitting up.
Benefits of Corpse Pose
This pose promotes deep relaxation of the body and mind
Resets the body to a neutral position and integrates the physical practice
Calms the nervous system and reduces stress by shifting the body into the parasympathetic ``rest and digest`` state
Calms central nervous system, aiding the digestive and immune systems
Variations of Corpse Pose
Blocks or bolsters can be placed under knees to support the low back or a blanket under the head to support the cervical spine
Legs on a Chair or Wall: Place your legs on a chair or against a wall for support.
Variations can be taken with arms/legs to enhance your comfort
Other Yoga Poses to Try
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Revolved Head to Knee Pose
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High Crescent Lunge
High Crescent Lunge, or Ashta Chandrasana in Sanskrit, embodies the essence of yoga: strength, balance, and poise. With one leg extended forward into a deep lunge and the other leg straight and engaged in the back, the practitioner must focus
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Extended Side Angle
Extended Side Angle, or Utthita Parsvakonasana in Sanskrit, is great yoga pose for stretching the sides of the body, including the obliques, ribs, and intercostal muscles. It can also help open up the hips and chest. It’s another pose that
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Forearm Stand
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Seated Forward Fold
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