What is Simhasana? Guid of Steps, Benefits, and Precautions

Simhasana, also known as Simhasana pranayama or the Lion Pose, is a seated asana that utilizes strong breathing techniques and energetic exhalations. Despite looking like a simple pose, there’s more to Simhanasa than meets the eye! Simhasana yoga helps facilitate three bandhas also known as locks [1]. They are mula bandha, uddiyana bandha, and jalandhara bandha. Read more to know what is Simhasana and its steps.

Mulabandha is also known as the root lock and helps direct your energy upwards. Uddiyana bandha, also known as upward flying rock, helps direct energy upwards from the abdomen. It does so with the help of diaphragm and abdominal muscles. Jalandhara bandha is the chin lock which helps control the energy in your head and throat.

These bandhas are part of many asanas and help direct the pranic energy into your body. However, they are best practiced once you master the Simhasana pose or other sitting poses. This is because doing them requires a certain amount of control and awareness that comes with practice. It is also said that once mastered, sitting poses can help protect you from certain diseases.

Read on to know how you can practice this yoga pose and learn the benefits of Simhasana.

Steps to do the Lion Pose Yoga 

Just like a warmup before any exercise, it is important that you get into the right frame of mind before you practice Simhasana. This will help you make the most of its benefits.

The steps to correctly perform Simhasana are as follows: 

• Sit on your knees in the position of vajrasna and spread your knees as far as you can. 
• Lean forward and then place your palms on the floor, between your knees. Make sure that your fingers are facing backwards and towards your body. 
• Transfer your weight onto your hands. Ensure that only your torso leans forward in a straight 90-degree angle.  
• Close your eyes and comfortably tilt your head back.  
• Open your eyes and try to focus your gaze on the center of the brow. 
• Close your mouth and take deep, relaxing breath. Make sure your body is relaxed while you do this. 
• Exhale through your mouth and put your tongue out. Make a strong and powerful ‘haa’ sound.  
• Close your mouth and repeat the process from inhalation and exhalation again.

Simhasana benefits for health 

• Relieves tension in your chest and face 
• Improves blood circulation to your face 
• Stimulates the nerves and keeps your eyes healthy 
• Keeps platysma, a rectangular muscle at the front of your throat, in good health 
• Helps protect your body from certain ailments 
• Acts as an anti-aging yoga pose by helping reduce fine line and wrinkles 
• May help treat bad breath and halitosis 
• Prevents asthma, sore throat, and other respiratory conditions 
• Stimulates all three bandhas and chakras like the Vishuddha and Manipura chakra 
• Helps reduce or increase weight by rectifying the imbalance. This is why it is also one best poses of yoga for thyroid!

Precautions to take for Simhasana 

• Don’t keep your hands on floor if you have weak wrists 
• Use a chair in case of an injury and do it with different sitting poses like the Lotus Pose 
• Avoid Simhasana yoga if you have any physical problems or chronic conditions 
• Avoid gazing at your eyebrow center for long if it makes you dizzy. Start by doing it for a few seconds and then gradually increase the duration 
• Do not overexert yourself while producing the sound

Armed with this information, be sure to practice Simhasana regularly for effective results. Along with Simhasana yoga, you can also try yoga for varicose veins and different poses for facial yoga to improve and strengthen your overall health. Don’t hesitate to contact a doctor immediately if you face any an injury or notice any symptoms while you practice yoga. This will help you address your health concerns in a timely manner and get the right treatment.

Now you can book an online appointment with the top practitioners on Bajaj Finserv Health, and get your queries resolved in a few clicks. This way, you can safely practice yoga poses like Simhasana and lead a healthier life.