Why turn to one side before sitting up from Savasana

Did you ever wonder why at the end of final relaxation in yoga practice, the teacher asks you to turn to one side and stay in that position for a few seconds before sitting up?

For the knowledge and benefit of every yoga enthusiast, I would like to share the yogic perspective of turning one’s body to either of the two sides and staying in that position for a while before coming out of Savasana after final relaxation. The explanation that follows may appear notional but it is as rational as the modern medical science itself.

The logic behind this simple, transitionary act is to prepare you for either of the two activities that you are likely to engage yourself into, immediately after your Asana practice. First activity that you may follow is engaging yourself into the daily chores or prepare to go to work. And the second one may be going a little more deeper by following the Asana practice with Pranayama, transitioning into meditation. As per the yogic science, in the first situation, you should turn your body to the left, stay there for about a minute and then sit up to end your practice to follow your routine. In the second one, you should turn your body to the right, stay there for about a minute and then sit up for Pranayama and meditation practice.

To understand it better, let us gain some clarity on basic anatomy of the brain, its functions and control over the physiology of our body.

Anatomically speaking, frontal brain (Cerebrum) is the largest part of our brain, comprising the Cerebral Cortex, which is divided into two halves (hemispheres) - the right and left one. The right hemisphere integrates sensory input and motor function, executing movement on left side of the body, while the left hemisphere governs the corresponding functions for the right side. In simple terms, the right brain controls left side of the body, and the left brain controls the right. This applies to the unconscious functions also, like breathing.

To experience the basic psycho-physiological aspect, you can try a simple experiment, especially if you are a beginner in yoga practice.

Sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes to heighten your awareness on the breath. Take a few deep breaths through both nostrils first, then close your right nostril using right thumb. Start breathing deeply only through your left nostril, keeping your attention on the incoming and outgoing flow of the air. Continue for 8 - 10 breaths. Once you are done, repeat the process on the other side. Close your left nostril with the right middle and ring finger and breathe deeply through the right nostril for 8 - 10 breaths. Observe the airflow.

You will notice that the airflow is relatively freer through one nostril than the other.

To appreciate this intriguing phenomenon further, let us return to the medical fact that each side of the body is controlled by the opposite hemisphere of the brain. If you can breathe more freely through your right nostril, it indicates that your left brain is more active, and vice versa. Our breathing pattern keeps changing periodically however, depending on factors related to psycho-physiological and environmental conditions.

If you are already into yoga practice, you will easily recognise the fundamental logic behind practicing Anuloma Viloma Pranayama (alternate nostril breathing) and its psycho-physiological impact on balancing the functions of the right and left brain. The alternate nostril breathing practice plays an important role in bringing equilibrium into your physical, mental and emotional personality, preparing you for your journey to realise the Self.

I will soon share insights on the yogic journey of evolution: transcending the Sthula Sharira (physical body) and cultivating stillness of the Manas (mind) through the mastery of Prana (life force).