Restorative
Lion Pose
simhasana
About the Pose
A powerful and expressive pose that involves a forceful exhale while sticking the tongue out and opening the eyes wide. Simhasana is a cathartic practice designed to release physical and emotional tension from the face, jaw, and throat. It embodies the fierce, releasing roar of a lion.
How to Practice
- Start in a kneeling position (Vajrasana) or cross-legged (Sukhasana).
- Place your palms on your knees, spreading your fingers wide like a lion's claws.
- Inhale deeply through your nose.
- On the exhale, open your mouth wide, stick your tongue out as far as you can towards your chin, and make a powerful "HA" sound from your belly.
- At the same time, open your eyes wide and gaze up towards your third eye (the point between your eyebrows).
- Relax on the inhale and repeat 2-3 times.
Purpose & Benefits
- Relieves Facial Tension: Excellent for releasing tension in the face, jaw, and throat.
- Stimulates Throat Chakra: Believed to stimulate the platysma muscle and the throat chakra, improving communication.
- Stress Relief: The forceful exhale can be a powerful way to release pent-up stress, frustration, and anger.
- Boosts Confidence: The playful and fierce nature of the pose can help to build confidence and reduce shyness.