Simhasana

Simhasana :

Simhasana is a strong seated asana, which incorporates a powerful breathing technique with a forceful exhalation. The name comes from the Sanskrit Simha, meaning “lion,” and asana, meaning “pose.” This name refers to the fierce lion-like expression of the yogi’s face as well as the roaring sound of the breath made while in this posture.

Steps:-

Sit in Vajrasana and spread your knees.

Your spine should be straight but as relaxed as possible.

The fingers of your hands should face backward and be kept straight in between your legs.

Now inhale and take out your tongue. Try to look between the eyebrows and exhale.

During exhaling roar like a lion. (Roaring sound “Haa”).

After Roaring hold the pose for 20 to 30 sec.

Repeat this process about 4 to 6 times.

After doing Simhasana while taking the saliva inside the mouth, massage the throat lightly.

Don’t inhale quickly after this posture; try to inhale after 20 to 30 seconds.

Benefits:-

The Simhasana benefits the face and also the throat, which isn’t typically benefited in other yoga postures.

The best exercise for face, eyes, tongue, and throat.

Clears the Vocal cords.

Properly opens the Respiratory tract.

Strengthens Fingers and hands.

Prevents soreness of the throat.

Useful for tonsils, thyroid, and other problems related to the throat.

Beneficial in unclear pronunciation and in-ear problem.

Best pose for those children who lisp.

It cures bad breath.

Helpful for improving the tone of the voice.

Give relief in back pain.

Strengthens:-

Lung, Throat, Human voice.

Type:-

sitting.

Therapeutic applications:-

Therapeutic applications of the lion pose include:

Curing bad breath

Curing stutters

Curing teeth grinding

Curing clenched jaws

Removing wrinkles

Helping decreased burning in eyes

Reliving back pain

Relaxing tensed up neck muscles

Improving the tone of the voice

The yoga Lion Pose also stimulates the platysma, which is a flat thin muscle in the front of the throat. This is the muscle that pulls down the corners of the mouth and also wrinkles the throat. It is believed that this exercise will help to prevent the sagging of the throat with age. Additionally, this pose helps promote good posture and in turn, increases confidence levels.

Variations:-

Since the Simhasana is such an easy pose, there are not too many variations. However, since the focus is on relaxation, different people make slight variations to the way they perform the pose. Listed below are some of the variations for the lion pose.

Variation 1:-

Some people like to sit with their ankles crossed so that you sit on one heel instead of two.

Variation 2:-

As you are supposed to sit completely relaxed and because the most relaxed position while holding this sitting position is to have your hands on your knees, many people do that and just splay their fingers while exhaling.

Variation 3:-

Some use the same pose but laugh instead of roar in order to reduce stress.

Variation 4:-

Instead of closing the eyes and looking to the third eye, this pose is sometimes held with the eyes open and looking to the tip of the nose.

precautions:-

The Lion Pose is basically a stress reliever and can be practiced at any time 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.

contraindication:-

For those with weak knee or ankle joints, this asana should be practiced with caution. The asana should not be practiced for more than 3 minutes as it is neither beneficial nor advisable.