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:
| Dos |
Don’ts |
| The knee should rest on the ground. |
Do not protrude the tongue beyond the capacity. |
| Sit on the heels. |
|
| The buttocks are to be lifted up. |
|
| The fingers should be spread out in imitation of the lion’s paws. |
|
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 practise if suffering from backache, arthritis of hip and knee, throat problems and pain in jaws.
