Shavasana—Relaxation technique to combat stress

Summary 

The present study was undertaken on 60 young adults of both sexes to determine if Shavasana could be an effective tool to combat stress. Stress was experimentally induced by cold pressor test (CPT) and effect was observed by recording its effect on cardio-respiratory parameters viz. systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate and rate pressure product. The study was divided into three setups. In the first setup, all parameters were recorded in basal state i.e. in supine position and after CPT. Second setup CPT was done after performing Shavasana for 10min and for the third setup, effects of CPT were observed after subjects had undergone Shavasana training for 10min daily for 4 weeks. All basal parameters progressively statistically significantly decreased after performing Shavasana for 10min and after its continuous practice for 4 weeks. Cold pressor induced stress showed statistically significant rise in all parameters in all the three setups but this rise was blunted and a progressively lower percentage increase was observed. It suggests that a person practicing Shavasana can successfully reduce the physiological effects of stress.

Keywords: Shavasana, Yoga, Cold pressor test, Pressor, Stress