Simhasana (Lion Pose)

Simhasana (Lion Pose)
Simhasana (Lion Pose)

Simhasana, also known as Lion Pose, is a simple yet powerful yoga posture that can help to relieve tension in the face, neck, and shoulders. This posture involves a unique combination of stretching, deep breathing, and a fierce facial expression, making it an effective way to release pent-up emotions and boost mental clarity.

Overview

AttributeDescription
English NameLion Pose
Sanskrit NameSimhasana
MeaningThe word “Simha” means “lion” while “asana” means “pose” or “seat.” Simhasana translates into the pose of the lion.
Base PositionSitting on the heels
Duration5-10 minutes
Body PartThroat, Knees, Thighs
CategoryVajrasana Group of Asanas
BenefitsSimhasana helps stimulate the throat chakra. It can help enhance focus and concentration, making it an ideal posture for those seeking mental clarity and stress relief.
Overview of Simhasana

How to do Simhasana (Lion Pose)

  1. Sit in vajrasana with the knees about 45 cm apart.
  2. The toes of both feet should remain in contact with each other.
  3. Lean forward and place the palms of the hands on the floor between the knees, with the fingers pointing towards the body.
  4. Straighten the arms fully and arch the back.
  5. Rest the body on the straight arms.
  6. Tilt the head back so that there is a comfortable amount of tension in the neck.
  7. Close the eyes and focus the inner gaze at the eyebrow centre, performing shambhavi mudra.
  8. The eyes may also be kept open, in which case gaze at a point on the ceiling.
  9. The mouth should be closed.
  10. Relax the whole body and mind.

Benefits of Simhasana

  1. Relieves tension in neck & shoulders: Simhasana helps to relieve tension in the face, neck, and shoulders by stretching and relaxing the muscles in these areas.
  2. Stimulates throat chakra: The throat chakra, located in the neck area, is associated with communication and self-expression. Practicing Simhasana helps to stimulate this chakra and improve communication skills.
  3. Digestion: Simhasana is also believed to improve digestion by toning the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat, and increasing blood flow to the digestive organs.
  4. Alleviates anxiety and depression: The deep breathing and stretching involved in Simhasana can help to calm the mind and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
  5. Relieves headaches: The stretching and relaxation of the neck muscles while performing the lion pose can help relieve tension headaches.
  6. Improves concentration: The practice of this pose involves focusing on the breath and the movement of the body, which can help to improve focus and concentration.
  7. Stability: In this posture there is a very definite extension of the spinal cord and the body is absolutely fixed. There is total physical stability.

Practice Note:

  • Generally, simhasana is associated with the roaring lion posture, but the scriptures give that posture as a variation of simhasana (see simhagarajanasana, the roaring lion, given in the following practice).
  • In this asana the lion is sitting quietly, waiting for something to happen. This is the mental attitude the mind has to adopt in order to enter deep meditative states.