Shava means a dead-body in Sanskrit Hence this name. This asana is to be performed at the end of the exercise session as it helps body to get complete rest and bring peace to the mind.
Method: Lie down supine on a hard surface. Don’t use any pillow. Let your body take the most naturally comfortable position. Now gradually begin to concentrate on each external limb of your body, starting from the toes. Try to convince yourself by auto-suggestion that your toes are quite relaxed. Try to move your toes a little and believe that they are so relaxed that you can’t even move them. Gradually shift the focus of your mind to the upper limbs-feet, heels, shins, thighs, abdominal region, stomach, heart region, neck and finally, the head. Then relax and lie totally motionless like a dead-body. Close your eyes and try to be thoughtless. Remain in that position for about five minutes. By the time you end this exercise, your whole body and mind would have taken complete rest. Remain lying for a couple of minutes more and come gradually out of this trance-like state.
As hinted already, this asana takes away the whole mental and physical stress and strain and revitalises your entire sense with an euphoria of a fully rested body. Do this asana for 5 or 10 minutes or more after your yogic exercises. The pleasant and exhilarating feelings can only be realised by those who can successfully do this asana. You will enjoy perfect peace and relaxation which are imperative after yogic exercises or any other hard work.