Health Benefits of Simhasana

Simhasana is a component of Hatha yoga and the contemporary yoga movement. Although it is one of the most unusual yoga postures, this asana has numerous health benefits.

Simhasana is composed of two basic words: Simha, which means "lion," and asana, which means "position." It is carried out while seated with the hands facing up.

It is a powerful asana that helps with voice clarity and speech problems like stuttering. Additionally, it aids in lowering tension and irritability.

Among the top health benefits of this yoga, a few of the most prominent benefits of  Simhasana include:

1. Reduces Back Pain

Practising Simhasana regularly can be very beneficial for people who experience chronic back pain because it puts ample pressure on the spine and stretches it. As a result, both of the activities improve our spine's flexibility and reduce the likelihood of experiencing back pain.

2. Stretches Our Body

Among all the perks, one of the critical benefits of lion pose is that your body gets a decent stretch. For instance, as you lean forward and yell, your chest particularly opens up. Hence, Simhasana stretches the spine and enhances posture.

3. Improves Digestion

Performing Simhasana regularly can improve digestion and aid in preventing a variety of digestion-related issues, such as constipation. Additionally, Simhasana puts a lot of attention on the stomach and intestines, which causes our bodies to produce stress hormones.

Moreover, this stress hormone helps the digestive system function better by promoting bowel movement. However, better production of the digestive juices and enzymes aid in the digestion of complex proteins and carbohydrates.

4. Relaxes Throat and Face Muscles

The muscles in the face and throat get activated when you roar with your mouth open wide. This roaring promotes blood flow while also reducing any stiffness. But most importantly, all of this encourages the rest of your facial muscles.

5. Enhances Vocal Chords

This is one of the most well-known and valuable benefits of the lion pose. Regular practice of this yoga will train your vocal cords, resulting in a powerful and clear voice. Also, due to its effect on vocal cords, this yoga is advised for those who have trouble speaking.

6. Stimulates the Fifth Chakra

The benefits of Simhasana yoga are also related to spiritual aspects as they support the thyroid's fifth chakra. This chakra is thought to be the centre of expression, communication, and creativity. Therefore, practising Simhasana can potentially improve your capacity for creativity and verbal exchange.

7. Reduces Self-Consciousness

Beyond its physical and spiritual benefits, the lion pose also has other perks. For example, the Lion position might help you overcome shyness and urge you to speak up if you are a shy and self-conscious person. Additionally, it aids in the release of any trapped emotions or negative mental patterns.

8. Delays Ageing Affects

Simhasana entails working out the muscles in the face, which helps to smooth out wrinkles and tighten the skin on the face. Also, it has a revitalising impact on the face by enhancing blood flow there.

9. Prevents Bad Breath

The respiratory system benefits immensely from the asana. This is because, by doing this, infections of the respiratory system can be avoided, which can prevent bad breath.

Steps to perform Simhasana, you can adhere to the following steps:

Step 1: Kneel on the floor and start with the vajrasana position, and your knees should be slightly apart.

Step 2: Then, by bending forward, place your hands on the ground with your fingers facing in the direction of your body.

Step 3: Try to focus on the middle of your brow as soon as you open your eyes.

Step 4: Then your body should be at ease when you take a deep breath and close your mouth.

Step 5: Make a forceful, crisp "haa" sound with your tongue out of your mouth, as a lion is roaring.

Step 6: After closing your mouth, inhale again with your nose.

Step 7: Gradually come to a Vajrasana, keep your leg straight and take a deep breath.

To execute Simhasana, you should be aware of the guidelines and take a few safety precautions. A few of those include:

• It is best to avoid Simhasana if you have wrist or knee issues. Also, it is advised that people get guidance from their doctor or yoga instructor in advance if they intend to do this yoga after recovery.
• Avoid overextending your mouth when roaring, as this can cause tension.
• If you feel lightheaded, stay out of focus from the centre of your eyebrow. Also, try it briefly before turning your head away.
• Avoid it if you have an ankle or knee injury.
• Refrain from practising this asana if you have any problem with your tongue, neck or face.
• Stop practising yoga right away if you feel sick to your stomach or have trouble breathing.
• Try to do the Simhasana early in the day on an empty stomach.

In case Simhasana is too difficult for you, you can opt for a few variations. These include:

• Use a Blanket - Try putting a folded blanket on the back of your calf muscles near the knee crease if you have knee problems. Furthermore, the additional room should improve accessibility and safety for the seating posture.
• Try a Variation Pose - Another choice is to adopt a different variation of the pose's seated position. You can use almost any stance to practise Lion's Pose. So, try putting your seat in Sukhasana before performing Lion's Pose. Also, using Lion's Breath with Lotus legs in Goddess Pose is an effective version.