Savasana is the name used to describe the posture that is generally performed at the end of a yoga session. The main aim behind this asana is to provide relaxation to the body after a strenuous session and help it cool down. Apart from that, the asana is also used, in general, to help a person relieve stress, pressure and anxiety. It can even help calm down the mind, to quite an extent. It has been seen that most of the people drift off to sleep while doing Savasana and fail to attain the 'conscious' part of the posture.

Instructions

* First of all, you need to sit in the Dandasana. Sit flat on the ground, with your back straight and your legs stretched out in the front.
* Bend you knees lightly and then gradually lean back onto your elbows, in the process lying down evenly along your spine.
* When your back is parallel to the floor, straighten out the legs as well. Moving one of the legs at a time, carefully place them on the floor. Try to place your legs the center of the back of the thighs and calves.
* Start to relax slowly, first letting your feet fall out to the sides and then, turning your arms outwards. Rest the arms, on your sides, in such a way that the palms face up.
* Stretch the back of your neck and try to rest your head on the center of the back of the scull.
* Now, draw your shoulders away from your ears and let them fall back in a comfortable position.
* Close your eyes and take several deep breaths, feeling your body become relaxed and the tension go away.
* Let go of your body completely and allow your breath to become soft, regular and quiet.
* Aiming at one of the parts of your body, let it begin to relax and then move to the other parts.
* At the end of the asana, stop relaxing consciously and let you body remain in the peaceful mode, for a few minutes.

Tip

* While performing the Savasana, you need to concentrate on the specific body part that you want to relax. Imagine that the muscles as well as the skin of the part slowly relaxing and the stress easing away from them.
* When you are doing the asana, if you find yourself getting drowsy at any point of time, increase the rate and depth of your breathing. It will help you overcome the state of drowsiness.

Benefits

* One of the most important benefits of the Savasana is that it helps refresh as well as rejuvenate the body as well as the mind of a person.
* Savasana is the perfect asana for those who are feeling too much pressure in their life and need to calm their mind.
* All those who are prone to anxiety will find the asana to be quite beneficial.
* After doing the asana, you will not only feel to have gained a new energy, but also achieve perfect harmony between the mind and the body.
* It has been observed that Savasana helps stimulates blood circulation and also exercises inner organs.
* The asana is beneficial for people suffering from nervousness, neurasthenia (a general worn-out feeling), asthma, constipation, diabetes, indigestion, insomnia and lumbago.
* Practicing Savasana regularly can help a person improve his focus and concentration power.

Caution

* Never ever perform this asana under glaring light.
* Make sure the surface, on which you are lying down, is firm and flat.
* Resist the urge to yawn at any stage of the asana.
* At any point of time while performing the asana, do not keep your hands under your head or on your chest.