Savasana

Image of Savasana

Savasana (in Sanskrit "Corpse Pose"), is traditionally the last pose of a yoga class, where we take rest and absorb the benefits of our practice. Typically, the student will lie on their mat face up, with legs semi-wide and palms facing upwards. Eyes can be softened or closed.

Some students might find this shape doesn't work for them, like all other yoga poses, props or variations can be used. If we think of Savasana as also an experience at the end of class to relax, then students can explore to find their Savasana pose.

For those with low back pain, students can lie on their backs with feet mat width/ knees touching or have wrapped blanket or bolster under the knees. You can lie in Makarasana (Crocodile on the front of the body), or Balasana (Pose of a Child), maybe hugging a bolster. Pregnant women can also lie on their left side supported by lots of blankets.

Being inclusive is important in all our yoga, but particularly at the end of a class when students are resting and therefore vulnerable. Teachers should respect and support this.

I've been going to yoga classes for a long time and there is a no-go area for me regarding Savasana - the teacher moving around the room touching students, perhaps placing hands on shoulders, forehead.

As far as I'm concerned, the experience of Savasana is sacred. The student is in their own internal space at this point in the class. Teachers should be supporting this, not moving around the room potentially disrupting someone's peace - or worse triggering a student inadvertently.

Yoga Alliance says specifically in its code of conduct that students should not be touched without their permission. If a student is in Savasana, with their eyes closed, they can't give permission. The same goes for taking photographs by the way.

So having found that safe space and comfortable shape to end your practice - why exactly do we do this?

Savasana allows us to tap into our parasympathetic nervous system, which allows us to rest and digest. It can relieve stress and help regulate our breath, as well as rounding off of practice and (usually) making us feel amazing.

That's not to say that it's an easy pose. If you're not used to staying still for any amount of time, this could be a challenge. Maybe you have experienced trauma and need to work towards this pose. Perhaps you have a tendency to fall asleep - it happens.

It's worthwhile practicing Savasana to find that deep sense of relaxation. After that, you will be ready for "Advanced Savasana" - Yoga Nidra. More about that in my next post.