Shavasana is a term used in Hatha Yoga, which
means lying like a corpse. In mind body language, it is called mind body
relaxation. In terms of psychiatry, it is called progressive muscular
relaxation. Mahavira in his teachings called it as Kayotsarga.
Kayotsarga does not mean only lying like
corpse but also abandonment of the body. It is a state of restful alertness
where the mind is alert but the body is at rest. All meditative practices begin
with Kayotsarga. It is the very foundation of spiritual sadhana.
In terms of physiology it increases alpha rays
in the brain and in the language of neurology it creates a parasympathetic
state of the body.
The process involves lying still and being
aware of each and every part of the body getting relaxed gradually and in turn.
Awareness or the concentration is on the body being relaxed and the process of
relaxation. In yogic language, it is also called as yoga nidra as before
completing the process most people fall asleep. This is one procedure, which is
often used by counselors in patients with insomnia.
During the process of Kayotsarga one is
neither in the past nor in the future as one’s awareness is in the present on
the process of relaxation. Being in present, it detaches one from attachments
and desires and prepares one for the next phase called meditation.
One of the mind body principles is that during
a state of relaxation and restful alertness, the mind become suggestive. This
principle is also used in hypnosis. In fact, the initial trans-state is based
on this principle.
Kayotsarga is the state of the body required
to win over any pain and this is one reason why during any painful procedure
the person is often asked to relax and give way. In the process of Kayotsarga
as the body is in a deep state of relaxation, all physical and mental
sufferings are relieved. With relaxation of the body most pain would
disappear.
There are several studies, which say that
yogic shavasana or Kayotsarga can reduce blood pressure by 20/10 mmHg. The
10-day Vipasana Meditation is also based on prolonged Kayotsarga. It is
supposed to be very effective.
Slower and deeper breathing is another way of
achieving the same benefits as that of Kayotsarga. Both balance prana. Yoga
sutras of Patanjali involve both of them before going into meditation. If one
practices Kayotsarga, breathing automatically slows down. Kayotsarga is often
done in the beginning of dhyana and at the point of culmination of
dhyana.
Kayotsarga is a state of making body
completely free of motion and tension. The fundamental principle of Kayotsarga
is slower and deeper breathing. Unless the breathing is slow it is not possible
to relax the body. One cannot do Kayotsarga successfully if the breathing is
fast.
It is also combined with many visualization
techniques. Once the full body is relaxed concentrating on a mantra or on a
particular portion of the body may help in healing. Dean Ornish in his book
reversal of heart disease also used this technique with focus on heart and
showed that even heart diseases are regressible. Many people use this for
relieving migraine.
Kayotsarga is the process which distinguishes
the body from the soul. The detached feeling of the body is what the first
stage of meditation is.
Afternoon nap is nothing but Kayotsarga. The
best way to rest for a heart patient is to practice Kayotsarga. During the
process of Kayotsarga the immunity develops and the prana becomes
balanced.
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