Corpse Pose

Corpse Pose or Savasana is a yoga asana often used to begin and conclude a yoga session. It is a relaxing posture intended to rejuvenate one's body, mind and spirit. No Yoga Session is complete without the Corpse Pose. The body needs this time to understand the new information it has received through practicing yoga. Even though Savasana is a resting pose, it's not the same a sleeping! You should stay present and aware during the five to ten minute duration of final relaxation.

1. Lying on your back, spread arms and legs, about 45 degrees from the sides of your body. Tilt head slightly back so it rests comfortably. Make sure you are warm and comfortable.
2. Close the eyes, and breathe deeply and slowly from your abdomen. Allow your whole body to become soft and heavy, letting it relax into the floor. As the body relaxes, feel the whole body rising and falling with each breath.
3. Scan the body from the toes to the fingers to the crown of the head, looking for tension, tightness and contracted muscles. Consciously release and relax any areas that you find. If you need to, rock or wiggle that part of your body from side to side.
4. Hold the pose for 20 - 30 minutes. Make your mind still and concentrate on your breath or the body.
5. To come out, slowly deepen the breath, wiggle the fingers and toes, reach the arms over your head and stretch the whole body, exhale bend the knees into the chest and roll over to one side coming into a fetal position. When you are ready, slowly inhale up to a seated position.

This exercise, if done correctly, will stimulate blood circulation and will lessen or relieve fatigue, nervousness, asthma, constipation, diabetes, indigestion, and insomnia.