Yoga Anatomy

Savasana

Corpse Pose

shah-VAHS-anna

sava = corpse

This pose is also referred to as the death pose, or mrtasana (mrit-TAHS-anna). Mrta means
death.

E5267/Kaminoff/fig9.2/417754/alw/pulled-r1

E5267/Kaminoff/fig9.1/417753/alw/pulled-r1

Classification

Symmetrical supine pose

Notes

Savasana is said to be the easiest asana to
perform but the hardest to master. What-
ever gymnastic demands the other asanas
may make on your balance, strength, or
flexibility, the challenge of maintaining
awareness without effort or exertion is
perhaps the most revealing exploration of
body–mind integration we can engage in.
In savasana, the structures that are in
full, weight-bearing contact with the floor
exhibit the primary curves of the body
(see page 37 of chapter 2). These include
the posterior surfaces of the heels, calves,
thighs, buttocks, rib cage, thoracic spine,
scapulae, and skull.
The structures that are off the floor
mirror the secondary curves of the body,
specifically the hollows of the back of the
ankles, knee joints, lumbar region, and
cervical spine.
The points of contact of the arms vary
widely from person to person, and the arms
can be arranged in a variety of positions.

Blue shaded areas show the major weight-

bearing structures, including most primary

curves.