Simhasana or Lion Pose - Yoga Exercise for Face
What is Simhasana?
In Sanskrit, ‘Simha’ means a lion, and asana is a yoga pose. A person doing this yoga lion pose resembles a seated lion, with wide-open jaws and a fully stretched out tongue. That is why this pose is termed the ‘Simhasana’ or Lion Pose Yoga.
Step by step procedure:
Tips: Those who have difficulty in kneeling because of knee or other problems, can still perform the Simha Mudra (Lion Face Gesture), by sitting in Padmasana (Lotus Yoga Pose), or even when standing.
Benefits: Other than the facial muscles, the Lion Yoga Pose also lays focus on the knees, ankles, chest, abdomen, diaphragm and fingers, and thus provides many benefits.
In Sanskrit, ‘Simha’ means a lion, and asana is a yoga pose. A person doing this yoga lion pose resembles a seated lion, with wide-open jaws and a fully stretched out tongue. That is why this pose is termed the ‘Simhasana’ or Lion Pose Yoga.
Step by step procedure:
- Kneel down on the floor. Cross your right ankle over your left ankle, with the toes pointing backwards. Press down the tailbone on your ankles and place the weight of your body on your toes. Your head and spine should be erect, with your knees about 6 to 12 inches apart.
- Press your palms on your knees, with the fingers spread out like the claws of a lion.
- Inhale slowly and then exhale, opening your mouth fully. Stretch your mouth open as far as possible, and stretch out your tongue, curling the tip downward to the chin. Open your eyes wide and bare your teeth. This facial pose looks like a terrifying lion.
- Keep your gaze fixed either pointing upwards, or straight, or at the tip of your nose, or fixed at the spot between your eyebrows.
- Inhale again and hold your breath for about 10 seconds. As you exhale, make a distinct ‘ha’ sound.
- Repeat again after re-crossing your ankles. In the initial stages you may be able to perform this pose only twice. Gradually increase the repetitions with practice.
Tips: Those who have difficulty in kneeling because of knee or other problems, can still perform the Simha Mudra (Lion Face Gesture), by sitting in Padmasana (Lotus Yoga Pose), or even when standing.
Benefits: Other than the facial muscles, the Lion Yoga Pose also lays focus on the knees, ankles, chest, abdomen, diaphragm and fingers, and thus provides many benefits.
- It is very effective as face toning exercises, and helps to maintain the luster and firmness of the facial skin.
- It also reduces eye strain.
- It helps to stimulate the muscles in the front of the throat, and keeps it firm, thus reducing wrinkles as we age.
- It has been found effective in voice-related problems such as stammering, and also for people with bad breath.
- The stretching of the tongue stimulates the muscles of the throat and the larynx, and helps in treating hoarseness.
- It is especially effective in cases of tonsillitis
- This posture stimulates the sinus nerves, the carotid sinus, the thyroid and parathyroid glands. It thus helps to relieve tension in the chest, and assists in maintaining a normal heartbeat and blood pressure.
- It improves circulation of blood in the neck.
