Lion’s breath: What is it, How to do it, Benefits | XpertsReviews.com

Lion’s Breath or Simhasana is a Pranayama-type breathing exercise that calms the mind, dissipates stress, and eliminates anxiety. It mimics the lion pose and helps invigorate the body and mind, while providing a deep stretch to the throat and face. Not only is this breathing exercise relaxing, but it also helps boost digestion, improve posture, and strengthen the vocal cords. However, it is essential to understand how to practice Lion’s Breath correctly to reap the most health benefits. This breathing technique also carries some health risks that you should be aware of before incorporating it into your routine.

What is lion’s breath?

Lion’s Breath, or Simhasana in Sanskrit, is a breathing practice in yoga or pranayama. It’s a great technique for calming the mind and dispelling stress, anxiety, and anger. “This practice can be done on its own or as part of a longer routine. It’s a powerful exhale that naturally invites a sense of release while re-energizing,” says yoga expert Divya Rolla. With its bold and refreshing quality, it’s a fantastic practice for building confidence and using your voice.

Health Benefits of Lion’s Breath

Here’s how lion’s breath can help you maintain or improve your overall well-being:

1. Helps reduce stress

Deep inhalation followed by a forceful exhalation helps to get rid of negative energy and emotions. Combined with facial gestures, roaring like a lion creates a cathartic release that promotes serenity and relaxation. A study published in the International Journal of Yogaobserved how lion’s breath helped a child with Apert and Asperger’s syndrome. It was found that it helped the child better regulate his stress levels.

2. Stimulates the throat chakra

The throat chakra, or Vishuddha, is associated with communication and self-expression. Lion’s breath opens and stimulates this chakra by contracting the throat muscles and producing the roar. “This can promote more authentic expression of thoughts and feelings, increased confidence, and improved clarity of speech,” Rolla says.

Also read: Demystifying the 7 chakras of the body and ways to unblock them

3. Stretches the neck and throat muscles

During lion’s breath, the muscles in the neck and throat are gently stretched by the dramatic facial movements and the act of sticking out the tongue. This stretching can help these areas become more flexible, relieve stress, and have better circulation. Additionally, it relieves stiffness, which is beneficial for people who work long hours at a desk or sit for long periods of time. A study published in Clinical rehabilitation claims that stretching your neck muscles can not only make you more flexible, but can also help relieve pain in the area.

4. Better respiratory function

One of the benefits of lion’s breath is that it releases tension in the chest and face. “Improved respiratory function is also facilitated by the expansion and contraction of the chest during breath work, which helps to release tense muscles. Both physically and mentally, a feeling of lightness and ease can result from this release of stress,” Rolla explains. A study published in Indian Journal of Pediatrics Breathing techniques, such as lion’s breath, can help manage asthma in children. They can also reduce hyperventilation.

5. Platysma stimulation

One of the often overlooked benefits of Lion’s Breath or Simhasana is that it stimulates the platysma, a flat, thin, rectangular muscle located at the front of the throat. A study, published by StatPearlsstates that the platysma is a superficial muscle of the neck. “The platysma, when contracted, pulls down the corners of the lips and creases the skin of the neck,” Rolla explains.

How to Practice Lion’s Breath Breathing Technique

Here is a step by step exercise on how to do lion’s breath.

• Step 1: Sit on your knees or sit on a chair with your knees together.
• 2nd step: Roll your shoulders back and down, opening your chest, and press your palms face down on your knees and spread them wide (like a lion’s claws).
• Step 3: Inhale through your nose and look up, exhale sharply opening your mouth wide, sticking your tongue out towards your chin, “HAAAH”.
• Step 4: Inhale through your nose, exhale with your tongue, “HAAAH”.
• Step 5: Repeat a few more times, then close your eyes and notice how you feel.

What should you remember when practicing lion’s breathing?

Although lion’s breath has many health benefits, there are some things to remember when practicing it.

• Relax your face and take a few normal breaths before doing another lion breath. This is better than doing it continuously.
• If you feel any discomfort or shortness of breath, you should stop and seek help from an experienced instructor.
• Once you have completed your repetitions, inhale and exhale deeply through your nose for at least three minutes before continuing.

Who Should Not Practice Lion’s Breath?

People who have recently had surgery or have injuries, especially to the face, neck, or throat, should refrain from practicing Lion’s Breath, as it can cause discomfort or impede healing. “Pregnant women are advised to avoid this practice, as the forced exhalation and intense facial expressions can be dangerous for them,” Rolla says.

Also read: Practice these 7 yoga poses during pregnancy to prepare your body for childbirth

People who suffer from general weakness or have difficulty connecting to their breath may find this practice challenging. It requires a strong sense of control and awareness, which can be difficult for people who lack these qualities.

Risks of Lion’s Breath Technique

While this is a low-risk yoga pose when practiced correctly and under the supervision of a qualified yoga teacher, it is important to be aware of the limitations and possible contradictions. Make sure you receive instruction on the technique from a certified teacher who can give you proper guidance on proper form and breathing technique. Improper technique can cause pain or tension,” Rolla recommends. Take note of any pre-existing illnesses or conditions that should not be treated, such as recent surgeries, injuries, or certain health conditions. Ignoring these can make you more vulnerable to pain or injury.