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How To Use Yoga
To Deeply Relax
By
Serenity
When you are in a
state of complete relaxation, you are in a state of being where
you are free of any physical, mental or spiritual tension. One of
the most common and effective ways to achieve this deep
relaxation is by lying flat on your back, as in Yoga’s
‘Corpse Pose’. The relaxation process will begin by relaxing
and surrendering the big muscles on the body, then as they relax,
in turn the deeper and smaller ones will follow. Layers of
tension should slowly slip away. Quality relaxation is extremely
important for a healthy body and mind.
In the Corpse Pose, the body can rest as a 'corpse' or dead body
would. This is the pose in which we learn to rest the senses and
step away from the identification we have with our physical
bodies. Practising this pose is a giant step toward inner peace.
This pose calms the brain and relaxes the body - and is known to
reduce headache, fatigue, and insomnia as well as helping to
lower blood pressure. Because the heart is on the same level as
the rest of the body - the whole cardiovascular system is allowed
to rest. Bear in mind that modifications may need to take place
in order to make this pose more comfortable for those who are in
pregnancy or who suffer back ache. This can be done by perhaps
placing a small folded towel under the knees, or under the small
of the back.
To achieve this pose - lie flat on your back, and be aware that
you should not feel any tension in your position. Take care that
your neck is not restricted. Your arms should lie comfortably at
your side, with palms facing upward. Your shoulders should be
relaxed and away from your ears. Lift your pelvis a little off
the floor and curl your buttocks toward your feet to gently
lengthen your lower back. Legs should be straight and relaxed. Do
not be discouraged if you feel waves of anger or emotional upset
- they will slowly dissolve as your body learns to let go. It is
ok if you accidentally fall asleep in this position but it should
not become habit. You should also avoid day dreaming or letting
your mind wander or chat - the emphasis of this pose is to relax
the mind in a controlled way so you are conscious of the here and
now.
Be patient with yourself and don't expect your body to become
instantly relaxed. Don’t resist feelings of frustration, by
acknowledging them we can often transform them. Breath in a way
that feels comfortable, with each breath imagine that you are
breathing out your tension. At first, resist any urge to come out
of this position as it is best to come out of it when your body
is ready, not when your mind tells you. Stay in this position for
as long as you need (usually between 10 & 20 min's). Just
relax. Take a while to adjust, and have a stretch, before going
back to your daily activity.
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About The Author
Serenity
writes on a variety of topics, including wellness, diet and
well-being. Look for her articles here at http://www.gaiapublishing.com
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