Simhasana - Lion Yoga Pose

Simhasana, the Lion Pose, is a seated posture practised on the knees in which the practitioner opens the mouth wide, extends the tongue fully toward the chin, widens the eyes, and exhales forcefully, often with an audible sound. Simha means lion, and the pose is named for its bold, roaring expression, a rare moment of deliberate, expressive intensity within the yoga practice.

Benefits of Simhasana

The strong facial expression and forceful exhale actively stretch and release tension in the jaw, tongue, throat, and facial muscles, areas that quietly hold a great deal of unconscious tension for many people.

Because the pose is playful and slightly absurd by design, it also has a light, tension-breaking quality, often producing genuine laughter in a group setting, which itself is a valuable release, particularly during stressful periods.

Step-by-Step: How to Practise Simhasana

Step 1: Kneel and set the hand position

Kneel with the hips resting on the heels or between the feet, and place the hands on the knees or the floor in front of the knees, fingers spread wide.

Step 2: Take a full inhale

Inhale fully and deeply through the nose, preparing the breath for a strong, complete exhale.

Step 3: Open the mouth and extend the tongue

Open the mouth as wide as comfortable and extend the tongue fully out and down toward the chin, stretching the tongue and jaw actively.

Step 4: Widen the eyes and exhale forcefully

Widen the eyes, gazing either toward the tip of the nose or up toward the eyebrows, and exhale forcefully through the mouth with an audible "ha" sound, engaging the whole face and throat.

Step 5: Release and repeat

Relax the face completely after the exhale, then repeat for three to five rounds, noticing any lightness or release in the jaw and throat afterward.

Modifications and Props

Practising with a softer exhale and a less extreme facial expression is entirely appropriate for anyone who feels self-conscious or has jaw sensitivity, since the underlying release still occurs with a gentler version.

Sitting cross-legged instead of kneeling is a perfectly good alternative for anyone whose knees do not tolerate a kneeling position comfortably.

Common Mistakes

Straining the eyes uncomfortably during the wide-eyed gaze is a common mistake. The intention is an alert, wide expression, not tension or actual eye strain.

Rushing through the pose without a full inhale beforehand reduces its effectiveness. Take a genuinely complete breath in before the forceful exhale for the fullest release.

Mohan Chute's Teaching Note

Simhasana is one of the few poses in the practice that actively invites a bit of theatre, and I find that quality genuinely useful. Many students hold quiet, chronic tension in the face and throat that more subtle postures rarely reach.

There is also something worth noticing in how readily this pose produces laughter in a group. A practice that can hold both deep stillness and unguarded playfulness is, I think, a healthier and more complete one.

Contraindications / Who Should Avoid It

Avoid or modify Simhasana with recent jaw surgery, temporomandibular joint disorders that are actively flaring, or significant knee pain that makes kneeling uncomfortable.

If the forceful exhale causes dizziness or discomfort, practise with a gentler breath and a shorter series of repetitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Simhasana mean?

Simha means lion, and the pose is named for its bold, roaring facial expression and forceful exhale, resembling a lion's roar.

Why does this pose involve making a sound?

The audible exhale is part of the full release through the throat and jaw, and it also has a light, tension-breaking effect that a silent exhale would not produce in the same way.

Is Simhasana appropriate for children?

Yes, it is often popular with children precisely because of its playful, expressive quality, and it can be a useful tool for releasing tension in a classroom or family setting.

How many rounds of Simhasana should I do?

Three to five rounds is typical. Stop sooner if you feel light-headed, and always take a complete inhale before each forceful exhale.

Can I practise this pose sitting cross-legged instead of kneeling?

Yes, a cross-legged seated position is a perfectly good alternative to kneeling and does not reduce the benefit of the facial and breath work involved.