Buddhabellies: yoga for pregnancy
Pose of the month - June 2009

Savasana - Relaxation pose

“The restful and restorative part of a Yoga sequence is as important as any other. For this reason we must approach it with the same care and attention that we do all others. Before coming to rest at the end of a Yoga sequence, a period of breathing or simple focus on the breath can provide a useful platform for relaxation. It will not only focus your attention and draw your mind inwards, but will also allow your breathing to slow down and your body to readjust. Use a comfortable sitting position or Lotus pose and do not cut this part short. I often notice that in the rush to end a sequence, this final part (breathing and Savasana) is undertaken with some haste, implying that it is a luxury rather than necessary part of the practice.

Understanding your body’s reaction
   In fact, this stage is an essential part of the practice of Yoga, serving to bring both mind and body into balance. The body has the natural ability to heal itself but we must provide the conditions for it to do so. The Western way is to focus on the doing and disregard the need to ‘un-do‘ or let go. In order to keep our body, mind and ultimately our life in balance, we must give each equal weight. Throughout your Yoga practice, it is essential to intersperse the asanas with periods of rest, eg in Child’s pose, in simple sitting, or lying down in Savasana, as we do at the end. This will allow the body to realign, and helps to maintain focus and limit internal dialogue or distraction. It can also be a useful way to learn to understand your body and reflect on the effects of each pose. Sometimes I like to rest between practising on both sides as a way of noting how each one feels in comparison to the other and how the pose, eg a twist, affects the body.
   Most important, however, is to end your practice with Savasana. During pregnancy, the classic pose is altered somewhat to accommodate the discomfort women feel when lying on their backs during middle or late pregnancy...”

This series on Yoga and Pregnancy is written by Nicole Croft, who is an Active Birth and Yoga for Pregnancy teacher based in Woodstock in Oxfordshire. She is also the founder of Buddhabellies, which is dedicated to empowering women to birth instinctively and with confidence. For more information please visit her website at www.buddhabellies.co.uk.