Simhasana | Lion pose
Simhasana or the Lion Pose resembles a squatting lion in the final pose. In Sanskrit, ‘Simha’ means ‘Lion’ and ‘asana’ means ‘pose’. Simhasana is relatively easy to perform and can be done by all, from any age group.
The yoga Lion Pose is a very uncommon yoga pose in that it does not require any bending or stretching of the body. It is a pose that helps relieve stress. It is called the Simhasana because in Sanskrit, ‘simha’ means all powerful and is the term commonly used to denote a lion. The Lion Pose for kids is very popular because of the way the pose is held. In fact, children tend to perform the Lion Yoga Pose better than adults! ↑
Precaution of simhasana
- The Lion Pose is basically a stress reliever and can be practiced at anytime and by anybody. There are usually no problems associated with practicing this pose because it does not require any complicated maneuvering of the body. However, if you suffer from any chronic illnesses or physical problems, it is best that you have a discussion with your doctor before you attempt any yoga posture. ↑
Procedure of simhasana
- Sit in the kneeling position or Vajrasana. Move the knees apart so that they make almost a right angle between them.
- Tuck your palms, under your thighs. The palms should face downwards and point towards the body. An alternate way is to keep the palms on the knees stretched and spread wide apart.
- Bend forward slightly, resting the weight of the body on the arms.
- Now, tilt the head backwards. Keep the eyes wide open.
- Open your mouth and draw the tongue forward and downwards as much as you can.
- Gaze at the space between the eyebrows with eyes wide open. This is called Bhrumadhya Drishti. In Hatha Yoga Pradeepika, an alternate gaze for the eyes is given as Nasikagra Drishti or gazing at the tip of the nose.
- Breathe normally and deeply in this position. During exhalation make a sound ‘ahhh…’, to imitate the breathing of a lion with tongue outside. You may also roar like a lion, few times in this position. Relax your muscles in the back, abdomen and chest in the final position.
- Remain in this final position for as long as comfortable.
- In some variations, the tongue can also be moved from side to side making the sound ‘ahhh…’. ↑
Benefits of simhasana
- The practitioner develops a beautiful and sonorous voice. It helps to solve many voice related problems.
- This asana is said to remove defects of the throat, nose, mouth and ears. It is known to remove bad breath.
- It helps in cases of stuttering.
- It relieves tension in the chest and the facial muscles and makes the face look young. Steady breathing in this position helps the chest and the abdomen.
- According to the Hatha Yoga text Hatha Yoga Pradeepika, Simhasana aids in performing the three bandhas or locks namely, Moola bandha, Uddiyana banda and Jalandara bandha.
- In the yogic text Gheranda Samhita, Simhasana is described as the destroyer of all diseases.
Physically the lion pose benefits the face and the throat, which is not usually benefited in other yoga poses.
- Face
- Eyes
- Throat
- Tongue
- Vocal chords
- Respiratory tract
- Abdomen
- Chest
- Diaphragm
- Fingers and hands
- The violent stretching of the muscles of the face and the throat relive tension. It is also believed to assist in relieving any infection of the throat and the respiratory tract. The tongue also receives unaccustomed exercise because it is stretched out fully outside the mouth. ↑
