While practicing yoga, you might hear instructor often tell you to get up on the right side of the mat after Shavasana – corpse pose. It is a common practice in yoga traditions to get up from the right side as it holds symbolic, energetic, and physiological significance. It is also practice getting up from the right side of the bed in the morning.

Why is it important to get up from the right side of the bed or after yoga practice? Ayurveda strongly recommends getting up from the right side of the bed daily.

1. Energetic and symbolic reasons

• Tradition and subtle body practices: In yogic philosophy, the right side is associated with the Pingala nadi, which represents solar energy, activity, and outward motion. Rolling to the right is thought to gently activate this energy after the deep rest of Shavasana, helping you transition from rest to wakefulness.
• Protection of the heart: Lying on the left side compresses the heart slightly. Rolling to the right helps avoid this and is seen as a gentler transition.

2. Physiological reasons

• Digestive comfort: Rolling to the right may support better digestion by keeping the stomach below the esophagus, reducing the chance of acid reflux. Ayurveda says that Surya Nadi that is present on the right side, activates and boosts metabolism. process.
• Gentle reawakening: Rolling on the right side and pausing before sitting up gives the body a moment to adjust to movement and avoid dizziness or a blood pressure drop.
• Brain and heart health: It is important to start the day in a good mood. Turning right and getting up helps the heart and brain to function properly. This reduces any morning anxiety and keeps the system calm.

3. Consistency and ritual:

• Many yoga traditions use it to create ritual and mindfulness. It offers a structured, respectful closing to the practice, grounding the experience.

4. Other reasons:

• Scientific reason – Research says that our body has two magnetic fields – one runs from head to feet and second one from feet to head. Waking up the right side increases the flow of energy in the second magnetic field.
• As per Ayurveda – right side of the brain involves in creativity. Waking up from right side helps brain to be stress free and energy becomes active thus preparing us for the day.
• The right side of the body is more stable than the left side and you can notice that you feel connected to the world. Getting up by turning left might make you feel disconnected, irritable, unhappy, and lethargic.

If you are not getting up by turning right side of the mat or bed – start practicing today! It might help you feel better, and you may even notice that your stress level is low, and the day is cheerful!!

Image credit: Image by Claudio Scot from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license)