Simhasana (Lion Posture)

Simhasana (Lion Posture)

In Sanskrit Simha means 'lion'. In this asana, the face with open mouth and tongue stretched out towards the chin resembles the fierce look of a lion, hence, it is called Simhasana.

Let us perform Simhasana by following the steps given below:

1. Sit in Vajrasana with palms on the respective knees.

2. Keep the knees apart.

3. Place both the heels upwards under perineum.

4. Place both the palms on the respective knees widely spreading

out the fingers.

5. Lean forward and place the palms on the floor between the knees.

6. Open the mouth and stretch out the tongue as much as possible

and gaze at bhrumadhya (centre of eyebrows).

7. Release the bhrumadhya dristi and relax your eyes.

8. Come to Vajrasana by placing the palms on the respective knees

and relax.

Remember the following points:

Do’s

• The knee should rest on the ground.

• Sit on the heels.

• The buttocks are to be lifted up.

• The fingers should be spread out in imitation of the lion’s paws.

Don’ts

• Do not protrude the tongue beyond the capacity.

Benefits

• It is beneficial for the muscles of the face and neck.

• The tongue becomes more elastic and healthier.

• Salivary glands become strong.

• It regulates functioning of thyroid.

• It helps in reducing dullness and depression and improves slurring

of speech.

Limitation

• Do not practice if suffering from backache, arthritis of hip and

knee, throat problems and pain in jaws.

Importance of Yoga

Good Health is the right of every human being. But this right depends

on individual, social and environmental factors. Along with social

or environmental factors to a large extent, we can develop a better

immune system and a better perception of oneself so that other

conditions do not affect us adversely and we can achieve good health.

Health is a positive concept. Positive health does not mean merely

freedom from disease, but, it also include a jubilant and energetic feeling of

well-being with an amount of general resistance and capacity to easily

cultivate immunity against specific offending agents.

There are many modern and indigenous methods and disciplines

that can help us to successfully fight with diseases. For example,

the system of yoga, naturopathy, ayurveda, unani, homeopathy and

siddha can be quoted among indigenous systems, whereas allopathic

system is quoted as the modern and popular medical system. Yoga is

one of the most powerful drugless system of treatment. It is having its

own concept of wellness which has been scientifically understood and

presented by many. Yoga can be adopted as lifestyle for promoting

our physical and mental health.