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