Singhasana

(Lion Posture)

A lion is called 'Simh' in Hindi language. Body imitates the posture of a lion; hence it is called Simhasana. The lion is king of beasts and obviously the most powerful among them. Regular practice of this asana likewise bestows leonine strength on practitioner.

Method

Sit in Vajrasana with knees apart and place palms on thighs. The distance between knees should be equal to distance between shoulders. Place both palms between knees with fingers pointing, towards body. Lean forward, resting body on straight arms. Let tongue protrude completely out of the mouth. Focus vision between eyebrows. Inhale long and deep and exhale for as long as you can. Inhale and, if possible, hold breath and then exhale long and deep. Stretch muscles of throat as much as you can. Since muscles of stomach will be pulled in constriction of anal sphincter (moolbandh) will automatically happen. This posture is also possible in Padmasana.

Singhasana (Lion Posture)

Duration

Breathing pattern in practice of this asana has a great importance. Inhalation is through nose and exhalation is through mouth. If possible, hold breath after inhalation, as long as you can. In beginning practice asana for half a minute and then slowly increase time up to three minutes.

Effect on Health

The direct effect of this asana is on brain, face and chest. Brain becomes healthy and powerful. Laudable improvement is noticed in the functional ability. A noticeable glow appears on face along with an aura that keeps improving day-by-day. With exhaling of impure air from lungs, their health improves. Lungs function better resulting in speeding up of blood purification and a better digestive functionality.

The important glands like hypothalamus, thalamus, thyroid, parathyroid and thymus functions efficiently with practice of this asana and as a result thinking capacity of a person develops. The voice becomes sweet along with improved pronunciation. The dullness and dependency vanishes and practitioner's independent personality becomes elegant. Because of Moolbandha, Apan vayu in body becomes pure.

Other Benefits

New energy and power is experienced in the whole body. Noticeable change also takes place in vital energy. Sound box is rejuvenated and openness is experienced in voice. Practitioner is relieved from pimples and wrinkles on face. The disorders like jatharagni and tonsils are cured.