Yoga poses – simhasana I and II (lion pose)

Simhasana (lion pose) is not a difficult yoga exercise. In this asana the tongue is extended as far as possible. According to classic yoga manuals, this has numerous health benefits, such as being less susceptible to colds. Simhasana also proves that in hatha yoga, few muscles do not get the attention they deserve. Lion pose is said to provide immunity to many diseases of the neck and throat. With regular practice, sore throats will also be a thing of the past. The variation on simhasana is more strenuous and difficult, but has even more advantages. Moreover, people who suffer from stress can benefit greatly from simhasana. In orthodox yoga, simhasana is considered an effective outlet for negative energies and pent-up anger.

Contents

• Origin of simhasana I and II (lion pose)
• Technology
• Points of attention
• Elaboration
• Health benefits of simhasana I and II (lion pose)

• Therapy

Origin of simhasana I and II (lion pose)

The Sanskrit word simha means ‘lion’. Asana is another word for ‘(sitting) posture’ and forms the third phase of the eightfold yoga path of Patanjali ( Yoga-Sutras ). The yoga pose is named after Narasimha, the male lion incarnation of Vishnu. This is the fourth incarnation of this Hindu god. Its image can be found at almost all entrances to Indian temples.

Classical yoga exercise
The myth goes that Vishu, as a lion incarnation and thanks to a trick in which he hid in a temple pillar, defeated the demon king Hiranaya Kasipu and thus protected Prahlada when he called on Vishnu for help in a difficult situation. Simhasana is a classic asana in hatha yoga. The beneficial release of tension and negative energies is further enhanced by vigorously spreading the fingers.

Simhasana I (Lion Pose) / Source: Kennguru, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-3.0)

Technology

Extend the tongue as far as possible and contract the throat and neck muscles vigorously. While practicing, breathe calmly through your mouth and concentrate on the exhalation.

Simhasana I

1. Come into dandasana (stick or staff pose), legs extended, palms pressed to the floor on either side of the hips.
2. Bend the right knee and place the foot under the left buttock. Then bend the left knee and press the left foot under the right buttock. Make sure the left ankle is below the right ankle. You are now sitting on your heels, with your toes pointing backwards. Distribute the body weight and find your balance before proceeding to step 3.
3. Stretch your arms and place your wrists on your knees. Bend slightly forward while keeping your back straight.
4. Breathe calmly, focusing on your hands and face.
5. Now tighten the arm muscles vigorously. Also spread the fingers with full force, with the wrists resting on the knees. Open the mouth wide. Stick out the tongue as far as possible. Tighten the muscles of the throat and neck and try to touch the chin with the tip of the tongue. Breathe through the mouth.
6. While you’re at it, stare at the tip of your nose or an imaginary point between your eyebrows. This is the Ajna Chakra, or ‘third eye’.
7. Stay in this position for about half a minute.
8. Return in reverse order to step 2. Repeat simhasana I, placing the left knee under the right buttock. Continue the exercise for about 30 seconds.
9. Rest in savasana (corpse pose).

Simhasana II

1. Sit in padmasana (lotus position).
2. Straighten your arms and place your hands shoulder-width apart on the floor in front of you. The fingers point forward spread out. Shift the body weight to the arms, supporting yourself on the knees. The arms are at a ninety degree angle to the floor. Press the hips towards the floor as far as possible.
3. Follow steps 4 to 7 carefully. Breathe through the mouth.
4. Return to padmasasana (lotus position) in reverse order.
5. Relax in savasana (corpse pose).

Points of attention

While performing simhasana I and II, make sure to tighten the throat and neck muscles and the arm and hand muscles firmly, with the fingers extended like the claws of a lion. Try to touch the chin with the tip of your tongue. Do not breathe through the nose, but consistently through the mouth. After the exercise , relax the face, mouth, throat, not to mention the arms and hands. Savasana II (corpse pose) is the ideal asana for this.

Elaboration

As mentioned earlier, few muscles remain untrained in yoga. A notable benefit of simhasana I and II is that the platysma is stimulated and strengthened. This large neck and skin muscle also influences facial expressions and determines the shape of the neck.

Colds
In addition, simhasana ensures good blood circulation in the mouth, throat and face. Thanks to simhasana, sore throats and colds will practically be a thing of the past. The thyroid gland also receives a thorough massage. Furthermore, the eye muscles are strengthened and the arm muscles trained, especially in simhasana II.

OM symbol / Source: Brenkee, Pixabay

Health benefits of simhasana I and II (lion pose)

Simhasana is a yoga exercise that mainly focuses on the neck and throat. The lion pose helps prevent sore throat and other respiratory diseases. The Indian yoga manual Gheranda-samhita is full of praise for simhasana and says: ‘ The lion pose puts an end to all diseases and ailments ‘.

Therapy

According to yoga manuals, simhasana has a therapeutic and supportive, but not necessarily curative , effect on the following complaints and conditions:

• Sore throat, cold.
• Bad breath.
• Weakened neck muscles.
• Tense facial expression.
• Stress and unrest.
• Stuttering.
• Facial wrinkles.
• Simhasana strengthens the eye muscles, optic nerves, neck muscles ( platysma ) and…
• …. corrects poor thyroid function.

read more

• Yoga (asanas) for beginners and advanced
• Breathing exercises (pranayama) for beginners and advanced students
• History of yoga – hatha yoga
• Yoga poses – ustrasana (camel pose)
• Yoga poses – vrksasana (tree pose)