Lion Pose
Simhasana
What is Lion Pose?
Lion pose, or simhasana in Sanskrit, is a seated yoga pose combined with forceful exhalations. The practitioner opens their mouth, sticks out their tongue, gazes upward and exhales with a powerful "ha" sound like a lion. The pose is very beneficial for releasing frustration and for stimulating the throat chakra.
Instructions
- Sit on the heels. Open the knees wide and place the hands on the floor in between the knees, fingers pointing in.
- Lengthen the spine.
- Inhale through the nose.
- Open the mouth and extend the tongue. Gaze upward while keeping the head steady, then exhale with a loud and long "ha" sound like a lion.
- Close the eyes and mouth.
- Repeat.
Cautions
- Point the fingers forward if there is discomfort in the arms or shoulders.
Benefits of Lion Pose
- Releases anger and frustration
- Stimulates the throat chakra
- Helps in introversion and inability to speak one's mind
- Stretches the facial muscles
- Relieves halitosis
- Prevents wrinkles
Lion Pose Details
- Sanskrit Name
- Simhasana
- Pronunciation
- sim-HA-sah-nah
- Pose Level
- Beginner
- Drishti
- Urdhva (Toward the sky)
- Pose Type
- Backbends, Chest Openers, Seated Poses
Email Newsletter
Subscribe and get the stories about the greater change that comes from yoga.