Simhasana in Sanskrit (सिंहासन), IAST: Simhasana, or Lion Pose, is an asana. See the lion pose or Simhasana (सिंहासन): steps, benefits, etc.
The name comes from the Sanskrit words Simha (सिंह), which means "lion," and asana (आसन), meaning “posture” or "pose."
The asana corresponds to a seated lion, hence the name Simha (as a lion in Sanskrit) and asana (as pose). The facial expressions of the practitioner are made to resemble those of a lion.
About the Lion Pose or Simhasana (सिंहासन)
The Lion Face Pose (or Simhasana) is performed in conjunction with other seated postures such as Padmasana (Lotus Pose), or standing with the palms on the waist and the feet 6–12 inches apart.
How to Perform Lion Pose or Simhasana Step by Step
The lion pose, or Simhasana, is pretty simple to execute. Although there may be several steps, this pose requires very little effort.
The first 5 steps of the lion pose, or Simhasanaare, are as follows:
- Sit with your legs folded under you so that your toes are pointing straight back and you are sitting on your heels.
- Keep your backbone straight but as relaxed as possible.
- Close your eyes and look to your third eye or between your eyebrows. The third eye is symbolic in the center of the forehead. In ancient India, it was believed that the pituitary gland was located there, although we now know differently.
- With your mouth closed, touch your palate with your tongue.
- Inhale a deep breath through your nostrils while your tongue is still touching your palette.
5 More Steps to Complete the Pose
- Exhale in a violent move while sticking out your tongue and opening your jaws as wide as possible. At the same time, your arms should be thrown out, and your fingers should be spread apart.
- Roar at the top of your voice as you exhale. A "ha" sound should accompany the growl, which shouldn't be prolonged. Rather, it should be a burst of breath that empties your lungs in the shortest possible time.
- Keep this pose for between 20 and 30 seconds.
- Don't inhale immediately after this pose; inhale after the specified time of 20 to 30 seconds.
- Repeat 5 or 6 times.
This asana (pose) gets its name from the way you stick out your tongue as far as possible and the way you hold your fingers together to resemble a roaring lion.
Precautions when Practicing
The Lion Pose (or Simhasana) is a stress reliever and can be practiced at any time and by anybody. There are generally no problems associated with the practice of this pose, as it does not require any complicated body maneuvers.
However, if you suffer from any chronic illnesses or physical problems, it is best that you discuss them with your doctor before you attempt any yoga posture.
Tips for Beginners
According to yoga, many problems that we face in our daily lives are due to festering anger and resentment. The lion pose, or Simhasana, effectively provides you with an outlet for this negative energy.
This has its physical benefits, but as an analogy, you can compare it to wearing your gloves and taking out your frustration on a yoga punching bag!
This pose is more of a release of negative energy, which means that as long as you exhale violently, that is all that is required.
The arms and shoulders are thrown outside violently and rigidly as an external manifestation of the release of internal negativity. You can repeat the mudra as many times as you want, although 5 to 6 times is sufficient if done properly.
Benefits of Lion Pose or Simhasana
Physically, the lion pose or Simhasana benefits the face and throat, which is not usually the case with any other yoga poses. The violent stretching of the muscles of the face and the throat relieves tension.
- Face
- Eyes
- Throat
- Tongue
- Vocal cords
- Respiratory tract
- Abdomen
- Chest
- Diaphragm
- Fingers and hands
It is also believed that it helps in providing relief from any infection of the throat and respiratory tract. The tongue also receives immense exercise as it is fully extended outside the mouth.
Therapeutic Applications of the Pose Include
- Curing bad breath
- Curing stutters
- Curing teeth and grinding
- Curing clenched jaws
- Removing wrinkles
- Helping in decreased burning in eyes
- Reliving back pain
- Relaxing tensed-up neck muscles
- Improving the tone of the voice
Yoga Lion Pose also stimulates the platysma, which is a flat, thin muscle at the front of the throat. This is the muscle that pulls down the corners of the mouth and also makes the throat wrinkly.
It is believed that this exercise practice will help prevent sagging of the throat with age. Additionally, this pose helps promote good posture, which in turn boosts confidence.
Different Types and Variations
Simhasana is a really simple stance; hence, there aren't many variations. But as the intention here is relaxation, individual differences in shape are to be expected.
The following is a list of a few lion pose or Simhasana variations:
- Some people like to sit with their ankles crossed so that they sit on one heel instead of two.
- As you are expected to sit completely comfortably, and because the most comfortable position while holding this sitting position is to keep your hands on your knees, many people do this and just snap their fingers while exhaling.
- Some use the same pose but laugh instead of roaring to reduce stress.
- Rather than closing the eyes and looking at the third eye, this mudra is sometimes done with the eyes open and looking at the tip of the nose. Thrones should be a violent release of tension.
Conclusion
Many people follow a lackadaisical procedure for this pose, in which their exhalation isn't violent enough. Even throwing out their arms and splaying out their fingers is not done with much energy.
Lion pose, or Simhasana, is a platform for pent-up anger, and just as a half-hearted punch on a punching bag won't ease your frustration, a half-hearted practice of this pose won't do you many benefits.
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