Side-Lying Relaxation Pose anatomy
Side-Lying Relaxation Pose · Parsva Savasana · Tư thế nằm nghiêng thư giãn
Side-Lying Relaxation Pose mainly works ; it stretches latissimus dorsi (right).
Opening the 3D model…
Lie on one side with both knees bent and stacked, the head resting on the lower arm stretched overhead and the top arm resting along the body; spine and neck in line. A resting pose: no muscle needs to work actively. During pregnancy, side-lying (usually on the left) replaces lying on the back; a cushion between the knees and under the head adds comfort.
Muscles in this pose
Stretching: Latissimus dorsi (right)
Why these muscles work or stretch
- Latissimus dorsi · Stretching: Lengthens gently with the lower arm overhead
Practice cues
- Stack the knees and the hips
- Let the head rest fully on the arm or a cushion, neck in line with the spine
- Let the whole body go soft; breathe slowly and evenly
Benefits
- Lets the whole body rest with slow, even breathing
- Replaces lying on the back in pregnancy or when that is uncomfortable
- May ease pressure on the lower back with the knees bent and stacked
Cautions / contraindications
- With pain in the lower shoulder, rest the head on a pillow, not the arm
- With hip or knee discomfort, place a cushion between the knees
Easier variations
- Put a pillow under the head and a cushion between the knees
- Hug a bolster in front of the chest for extra support
General information, not a substitute for advice from a doctor or teacher.
Written and reviewed by Yoga An Viên center · Updated 18/10/2026
How to practice this pose (YogaWay, in Vietnamese)
Related poses
- Crocodile Pose Makarasana
- Reclining Hero Pose Supta Virasana
- Upward Extended Feet Pose (Leg Raises 90°) Urdhva Prasarita Padasana
- Extended Puppy Pose Uttana Shishosana
- Happy Baby Pose Ananda Balasana
- Knees-to-Chest Pose Apanasana
A free community project by Yoga An Viên center · Model: Z-Anatomy (CC BY-SA 4.0), based on BodyParts3D © DBCLS (CC BY-SA 2.1 JP)