Unleash your Inner Roar

I used to joke that I wanted to design a tee shirt that says “There’s a breath for that.” In the realm of yoga and pranayama, there are practices for just about everything. Some practices gently soothe and calm us, some are meant to balance out our energy and wake up the brain, and some ignite a powerful, transformative energy. Lion's Breath, or Simhasana, falls firmly into the latter category.

This practice, often accompanied by a dramatic facial expression and a resounding "HA," is more than just a theatrical display; it's a potent tool for releasing tension, calming the mind, and invigorating the spirit. I urge you to Google “Lion’s Breath” for some entertaining photos. Don’t let the face dissuade you from the practice, though. There's much to be gained. See the end of this post for a shameless photo of me in this pose once upon a time in Utah. I had to modify a bit because of the dirty sidewalk, but you'll get the gist!

What is Lion's Breath?
Simhasana, derived from the Sanskrit words "simha" (lion) and "asana" (pose), mimics the posture and breath of a roaring lion. It involves:

• Posture: Typically, it's performed in vajrasana (thunderbolt pose, sitting on your heels) with the hands placed on the knees or the floor, fingers spread wide like claws. Alternatively, it can be done seated in a comfortable cross-legged position or during standing poses.
• Facial Expression: The mouth is opened wide, the tongue extended downwards, and the eyes are open wide and gazing up toward the space between the eyebrows.
• Breath: A powerful, forceful exhale through the mouth, accompanied by an airy "HA" sound, resembling a lion's roar.

The Benefits of Lion's Breath:
This dynamic practice offers a multitude of benefits, both physical and mental:

• Stress and Tension Release: The forceful exhale helps release pent-up emotions and physical tension, particularly in the face, jaw, and neck.
• Vocal Cord Stimulation: It can be beneficial for singers, speakers, and anyone who wants to improve their vocal clarity and strength.
• Facial Muscle Exercise: The exaggerated facial expression tones and strengthens the muscles of the face and neck, potentially reducing wrinkles.
• Mental Clarity: The powerful breath and release can help clear mental clutter and promote a sense of calm and focus.
• Digestive Fire (Agni) Stimulation: In yogic philosophy, the forceful exhale is believed to stimulate the digestive fire, aiding in digestion.
• Emotional Release: The act of "roaring" can be a cathartic experience, allowing for the release of suppressed emotions.
• Chakra Activation: From a yogic perspective, Simhasana is said to activate the throat chakra (Vishuddha), associated with communication and self-expression. 

How to Practice Lion's Breath:

1. Find a Comfortable Position: Begin in Vajrasana (thunderbolt pose), or in a comfortable cross-legged position.
2. Hand Placement: Place your hands on your knees or the floor, fingers spread wide.
3. Prepare to Roar: Inhale deeply through your nose.
4. Exhale Forcefully: Open your mouth wide, extend your tongue downward, and exhale through the mouth by contracting your abdominal muscles and pelvic floor. Make an airy "haaaaa" sound. Simultaneously, widen your eyes and gaze up and in, toward the center of your brow. You may also lift off your heels as you exhale.
5. Repeat: Repeat the breath 3-5 times, or as desired.
6. Relax: After completing the practice, sit quietly and observe the effects.

Tips and Considerations:

• If you have any jaw pain or TMJ issues, be gentle with the facial expression.
• ​Listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself beyond your limits.
• This exercise, while beneficial, should not be used as a replacement for medical advice.