Simhasana Yoga Pose (Lion Pose)



Information on Yoga Asana Simhasana (Lion Yoga Pose) Meaning & Uses


One of the easiest forms of yoga posture that can be performed by people of all the ages and types is Simhasana which is also famous as Roaring Lion Pose. The pose is sometimes known as Bhairavasana.In Sanskrit, Simha is referred as Lion where are Bhairava is considered to be dreadful form of Lord Shiva. The reason behind its name is that the person performing this pose looks similar to a roaring lion as he keeps his mouth open and extends his tongue. This form of asana has been quite effectual in relieving a person from all kind of stress.

Simhasana (Lion Pose) Steps / Instructions / Procedure

There are many steps that a person is supposed to follow in order to perform Simhasana that has been pinpointed below

  1. At the outset, you are required to sit and kneel down. You must keep your knees apart so that they form an angle between them

  2. Your palms need to be placed under the thighs. The other way to keep the palms is to place them on the knees and spread them apart

  3. Slightly try to come forward and try to rest your body weight upon the arms

  4. Now, attempt to bend your head back and open your eyes wider

  5. Take out your tongue by opening your mouth wide. You are supposed to move your tongue forward and downward

  6. Now, try to look at the space between your eyebrows by opening your eyes wider. This practice is known as Bhrumadhya Dristhi

  7. You must inhale and exhale deeply while you are in this position in order to attain greater advantages. While breathing out you need to make a sound 'ahhh' that is similar to the breathing of the lion with tongue out. In the mean time, you can as well roar like a lion when performing this pose. During the final position you are supposed to relax your muscles in order to attain greater flexibility

  8. It would be beneficial to remain in this pose for as long as possible. You must not breathe in instantly after this asana. You are suggested to breathe in after 20 to 30 seconds

  9. Repeat this act 5 to 6 times daily in order to attain greater benefits

  10. As a variation to this pose, a person may as well move his tongue from one side to the other and take the 'ahhh' sound out

Simhasana (Lion Pose) Anatomical Focus

The main anatomical focus of this pose is upon the facial muscles and the lower limbs. The entire weight of the body is shifted towards the knees with the help of the arms. There is greater pressure upon the eyes while performing this act. Hence, a person must keep his back erect and the chest open. You must not bend your arms.

Simhasana (Lion Pose) Therapeutic Application

The various therapeutic application of Simhasana can be studied in detail. It has been effective in curing bad breathe as well as stutters. A person suffering from scrunched jaws and teeth grinding can attain relief if they practice this yoga regularly. It is effective in removing wrinkles from the face. The tone of the voice can also be enhanced to a certain degree with the help of this pose.

Simhasana (Lion Pose) Medical Health Benefits

  1. It tends to exercise the vocal cord along with the diaphragm. It is because of the fact that the tone of the person is improved to a great extent, this pose is considered as good for singers

  2. The person possessing any form of speech hindrance needs to perform this pose. This asana is considered to be effectual for ear, throat and nose along with the mouth related issues

  3. It is considered to be a good massage for the facial muscles

  4. It is considered to be efficient in reinvigorating platysma and has proved to be beneficial for bringing glow in the face when practiced on a regular basis

  5. It helps in reducing the anger and frustration and thus relieves them from all kind of tensions

  6. This pose has been effective in boosting the confidence level and is significant in improving body posture

  7. This exercise is effective for fingers and hands as it reduces the stiffness and makes them smooth

Simhasana (Lion Pose) Contraindications and Cautions

It is advisable not to practice this pose if there is any form of knee or ankle injury. A person suffering from back pain or injury must not practice this yoga. Furthermore, you must not perform this asana for more than 3 minutes. In case you have any issues related to Vajrasana, then the same act can be performed by sitting on the chair.

Simhasana (Lion Pose) Beginner's Tip

Most of the people tend to face difficulty in sitting in Vajrasana pose. Hence, they can practice this pose by sitting on chair or while you are standing. In case you are standing, then you need to stand erect and place your palms upon the thighs and tilt forward. Now roar and repeat the activity with your mouth and eyes.

Simhasana (Lion Pose) Variations

This pose is considered to be easy pose because of which there are fewer variations. However, people tend to make slight variations in performing it. Some people prefers sitting with their ankles in a cross manner and sit in one heel. Some people prefer to laugh instead of roaring so that they can reduce their stress level. Most of the people do not tend to close their eyes and look at the third eyes. They prefer to keep their eyes open and look into the tip of the nose.

Simhasana (Lion Pose) Modifications and Props

If a person is not capable of sitting in the position as mentioned in the steps above, then they can sit in Virasana pose or you can sit on a block by placing them in between your foot.

Simhasana (Lion Pose) Partnering

This step is considered to be the easiest asana in comparison to other forms of asana. Hence, in performing this asana you will not need any partner to support you.

Simhasana (Lion Pose) Preparatory Poses

The various preparatory poses that can prepare you for the Simhasana are Baddha Konasana, Dandasana, Siddhasana, Supta Virasana, Supta Baddha Konasana and Virasana. In preparing this poses, you can perform the lion pose quite effectively.

Simhasana (Lion Pose) Follow Up Poses

Simhasana is considered to be a good pose that can assist in beginning any new form of asana. Hence, a person can perform any asana after this asana.

Simhasana (Lion Pose) Deepen the Pose

In order to deepen the pose, it is advisable to perform Jalandhara Bandha while performing Simhasana.