How to Do the Lion Pose in Yoga

The lion, or simhasana, is a yoga pose that imitates the body position and the facial expression of a roaring lion. It is very easy to do and can be performed by both adults and children. This position is unique compared to other positions since its benefits are primarily centered on the structures of the neck going up to the face. It provides good exercise for the facial muscles and the fix gaze helps in reducing strain in the eyes. Individuals with throat problems, such as sore throat and tonsillitis, and those who suffer from tightness of the jaw muscles can also benefit from this position.

Things You'll Need

• Yoga mat

Instructions

1. 

   Start in a kneeling position with knees shoulder-width apart. Carefully lower your body and sit on your heels. Spread your knees apart according to your own comfort and see to it that your lower legs or calves are flat on the floor.

2. Adjust the position of your upper body. Make sure that you are not slouching. Lift your chest up (do not over-arch) just enough to straighten your back and keep your spine in proper alignment.

3. Place both your hands on top of your knees and splay your fingers like the lion's claws. Remember to not roll your shoulders forward (slouch) as you bring your hands on your knees. Always keep your shoulder drawn back to position it properly.

4. Take a deep breath through your nose. Then simultaneously do the following: Lower your jaw and open your mouth as wide as possible, stretch your tongue out and curl its tip further down to your chin, open your eyes wide, roll your eyeballs upward and fix your gaze in between your eyebrows, extend your splayed fingers further, and then exhale.

5. Feel the exhaled air passing through the back of your throat, as well as the contraction of your throat and neck muscles (platysma muscle), when you lower your jaw and protract your tongue outward. You can do a roaring sound as you exhale.

6. Hold the position for one breath, or you can hold it after doing three roaring sounds, and then relax. Retract your tongue, close your mouth, relax your eyes and close your splayed fingers. Perform this pose for at least three times with a few minutes of rest in between.

Tips & Warnings

• Modify some of your postures as you perform this pose all over again. Aside from rolling your eyes up, you can also roll your eyes down and fix your gaze directly on the tip of your nose. And aside from placing your hands on your knees, you can also lean slightly forward to extend your arms, and place your hands on the floor in front of your knees.