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Why do we do Savasana at the end of our classes

 

 

 

Savasana is often called the "Most important pose" in yoga.

 

Our yoga practice intelligently informs the body of neuromuscular changes, so the practice of yoga fundamentally changes the structure of who we are.  Savasana, allows the body to rest in order to integrate and accept these changes prior to re-entering the busi-ness of our of normal lives.  This is especially important for the nervous system.  In Savasana, it is essential that the body be placed in a neutral position of rest and relaxation

 

 

Savasana helps us learn how to completely surrender, stop fighting the clock, and make space for peace and harmony to fill the soul.
 

If you are tempted to skip Savasana to rather continue with stretching or moving around, here are some of the benefits of Savasana:

 

• It Settles and Calms Your Mind

Savasana requires a stillness of mind as well as body. Taking these few moments in your day to completely quiet your thoughts and let go works as an effective de-stressor.

Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression

This is an excellent way to ground the body and reduce the imbalance of the air element in the body.

 

• It Helps You Reap the Benefits of Your Practice

When your body is relaxed after a series of poses, your bodily functions and systems (like your immune and digestive system) become stimulated and revitalized. Your body needs that time to process and remember the information and intelligence—yes, intelligence—it's gained through each and every pose you worked on.

Savasana brings a deep, meditative state of rest, which may help in the repair of tissues and cells, and in releasing stress. It also gives time for the yoga workout to sink in at a deeper level.

 

• It Will rejuvinate you

Think of Savasana as a power nap. If you've had an especially rigorous practice, these final, still moments will not only allow you to let go of any tension you worked out during practice but the feeling of calm savasana will then lead right into a refreshed sense of energy as soon as you're on to the next phase of the day.

 

Savasana decreases the heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension and general levels of anxiety.  It increases energy levels, boosts memory and stimulates the ability to concentrate.  It gives you a more easy sleep and brings a general sense of well-being. 

 

Savasana stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (your rest and digest response) and calms your sympathetic nervous system (your fight, flight and freeze response)

 

So at the end of your next yoga class, allow your body to come to complete rest, allowing it to absorb all the benefits of the class you attended.