I always explain to my students that the most basic level of practicing yoga is physical. The next level to deepen into your yoga practice is the breath. No matter how advanced a yoga posture is performed, that can never be considered advanced yoga. The more advanced yoga practitioners are interested in the quality of the breath, which guarantees the quality of their practice.

Lion’s breath is a breathing technique, or pranayama, which works with Simhasana, or lion pose. The posture resembles a seated lion, hence the name Simhasana, Simha Pranayama or Breath of the Lions. While practicing the expressions, they change to resemble those of the lion’s faces, and it’s called Simha Mudra.

Lion’s breath is a great technique to relax, increase your body temperature, and prepare you to do more challenging asanas. Want to know how to do Simha Pranayama o Lions Breath Technique? Follow these steps:

STEP 1

To start practicing Simha Pranayama or Lion’s Breath, sit in Vajrasana. Start on your knees with your knees slightly apart and your palms up on your thighs. You can stick your toes in or out.

STEP 2

Take a pretty deep breath with your nose and lift your shoulders slightly, arms outstretched.

STEP 3 

Make an “aghh” sound like a “lion roar”, and exhale to stick out your tongue with your mouth wide open until you reach your chin and open your eyes as much as you can. Look upward, push your palms of your hands, and spread your fingers apart.

STEP 4

Hold the final position for 20-30 seconds before inhaling again.

STEP 5

Finally, put your tongue back into your mouth and relax your throat and facial muscles. Take a few deep breaths.

You should perform Simha Pranayama or Lion’s Breath ideally for 5-7 minutes. However, if you feel any discomfort, you should stop the practice immediately and recline in relaxation asanas such as Shavasana.

Benefits of Simha Pranayama or Lion‘s Breath

• Simha Pranayama should be performed during or after stressful situations to relieve anxiety and bring peace.
• It benefits the functioning of the vocal cords and improves the tone of voice.
• Relieves bad breath and cleans the tongue.
• It’s excellent for preventing diseases of the throat, ears, and mouth.
• It is a favorable posture for virility.
• Relieves tension and tightness while improving circulation.
• Treats menstrual problems in women.
• It improves digestion and helps alleviate reproductive problems as well.
• It opens the throat chakra.
• Promotes good posture and increases the level of confidence.

Start practicing Lion’s breath in all yoga styles, but you shouldn’t try it in the case of goiter. Those who suffer from hyperthyroidism should practice it with prudence, observing the reactions throughout the day.

Try to include this breathing technique in your next yoga class! This energetic and awakening breath will help to ease your mind and refine your intentions.

Let’s ROAR!