About Savasana

In savasana, the aim is to let go of distractions in the body and mind and become as comfortable as possible so we can really let go, surrender to rest, and integrate all the goodness of the preceding practice. Savasana is the only yoga pose that is included in every yoga sequence and can be considered the most important yoga pose.

Savasana (pronounced shuh-VAH-suh-nuh) is a lying (supine) resting pose, in which you lie on your back, with your arms and legs extended, feet rolling apart like the pages of an open book, arms by your side and palms either facing up or with the fingers gently curling in. Eyes can either be closed, if this feels right for you, or with an unfocused gaze to rest the eyes. It can feel nice on the lower back to place a rolled-up yoga blanket, or bolster under the knees with the heels gently resting on the mat. People with lower back issues sometimes prefer to keep the knees bent with the feet wide apart, soles on the mat at either side of the mat, with the knees touching. Practiced at the close of an asana practice savasana engages the parasympathetic nervous system that sends a signal of safety to the body and activates the rest and digest response that allows the body to return to homeostasis and the mind to rest in contentment.