The importance of Savasana

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hi there…
So what is the importance of savasana to you personally? Or in traditional yogic idea of why it is so important?

I am mostly intrigued by the physiological aspects of what savasana does (as I am very open to the benefits of meditation :slight_smile: )

#2

[QUOTE=Miranda;70126]Hi there…
So what is the importance of savasana to you personally? Or in traditional yogic idea of why it is so important?

I am mostly intrigued by the physiological aspects of what savasana does (as I am very open to the benefits of meditation :slight_smile: )[/QUOTE]

In simple terms; complete relaxation without effort, assimilate and take advantage of the practice, it?s not meditation per say.

#3

Hello Miranda,

Perhaps the following will provide a good foundation relative to your question.

Gordon

–

http://www.yogaforums.com/forums/f16/why-the-right-side-after-savasana-4708.html

http://www.yogaforums.com/forums/f16/yoga-sequence-and-duration-7290.html

http://www.yogaforums.com/forums/f16/sympathetic-nervous-system-vs-parasympathetic-nervous-system-3736.html

http://www.yogaforums.com/forums/f16/alignment-in-savasana-2266.html

#4

Personally I find savasana even more relaxing and restorative than a nap. Depending on the level of sleep you get to while napping, your motor cortex may be activated which doesn’t allow your muscles to rest.

In savasana you can conciously relax your muscles, I like to do a progressive relaxation starting with the head and working my way down the front of the body and then up the back all the way up to the head again.

I then focus on my breath for ten or so breath cycles and find myself in a very deeply relaxed state.

I almost always feel refreshed after a savasana and think that even if you only have 5 minutes out of your day to do yoga that this should be it!

#5

thank you all for your replies.
I had a moment of ‘a-ha’ in my savasana bit last night. I had had a very busy day with my body, running then out about with chores etc not to mention an energising yoga practice. As I was just zoning out and relaxing in savasana my body just let out a moment of deep release, and it as though I could feel in that moment all the ‘stuff’ zooming around, fluids moving into tissues that were now accessible because of the physical stuff, as well as my body just knowing there is nothing more to ‘do’ and it can start doing its work at post-working building and repairing.

Rest is just as important - slower pace is much more productive, gradual change vs instant gratification.

I’m waffling but you get the gist lol.

#6

That sounds great Miranda! I’m so glad you had that experience, it seems like the answers to our questions present themselves as soon as we ask the questions sometimes!