Lion

Simhasana

Level: Beginner
Pronunciation: (sim-HAHS-anna)

Instructions

1. From a seated position with the hips on the heels and the palms resting on the knees, inhale and reach the crown of the head up to lengthen the spine.

2. As you exhale, bring the palms to the floor in front of the knees, arch the spine, look up at the third eye point, stick out the tongue and roar like a lion (Haaa!) out of your mouth.

3. Inhale back to the starting position and repeat 2-5 times.

Benefits + Contraindications

Benefits: Lion pose strengthens the lungs, throat, and voice. This posture stimulates the tonsils and the immune system and helps to reduce stress and anger.

Contraindications: Recent or chronic injury to the knees, face, neck or tongue.

Modifications + Variations

Modifications: Place a blanket under the knees.

Variations: Have the knees spread wide with the toes touching behind the hips and place the palms flat with the fingers pointing towards the body.

Vinyasa

Use one or more of the following postures to build a sequence leading up to this pose: Dog, Cat, Down Dog, Seated Yoga Mudra.

Use one or more of the following postures to build a sequence ending after this pose: Child, Camel, Half Circle, Gate.

Other Names

This pose is also called Simhagarjanasana.

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4 responses to “Lion”

  1. ML Avatar
    ML

    Kids love this pose. Be sure to include it when working with youngsters.

  2. Noora Avatar
    Noora

    Hello,

    We want to use Lion pose image in our iSing Magazine( UK) and include your Website Address in the article. The image will lead to your website. Please let us know what do you think about it.

    Regards,
    Noora

    1. Timothy Burgin Avatar
      Timothy Burgin

      Hi Noora, please use our contact us page to file a request for using the photo.

  3. Talia Nied Avatar
    Talia Nied

    thank you for these great instructions on how to practice the Lion’s pose. this really gives my face and mouth a good workout!

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