energizing · beginner · ~5 min
Simhasana (Lion's Breath)
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Lion's breath — exhaling forcefully through the open mouth with tongue extended and eyes wide. Releases tension in the face, throat, and chest; among the most distinctive yoga practices.
What this practice is
Simhasana pranayama ("lion's breath") is among the most distinctive practices in yoga. The practice involves a forceful exhalation through the open mouth with the tongue extended downward toward the chin, the eyes opened wide and rolled upward, and an audible "haaaaa" sound. The practice releases tension in the face, jaw, throat, and chest; it produces immediate energizing effects and often releases held emotional material.
The practice is technically both an asana (seated lion pose) and a pranayama (the lion's breath). The combined position-and-breath produces effects that neither element alone reaches.
Simhasana is initially uncomfortable for many practitioners — the visible mouth-open tongue-out position feels socially awkward. This is part of the practice; the discomfort with the position is itself a release of tension and self-consciousness. Children love simhasana (it looks playful); adults benefit from the practice's release of socially-held tension in the face and throat.
Technique
1. Sit upright (seated cross-legged or in vajrasana — kneeling with sit bones on heels).
2. Place the hands on the knees, fingers spread wide. The hand position is part of the practice (lion's claws).
3. Inhale deeply through the nose.
4. Open the mouth wide. Extend the tongue out and down toward the chin. Open the eyes wide and roll them upward toward the third eye (between the eyebrows).
5. Exhale forcefully through the open mouth with an audible "haaaaa" sound. The exhalation is sustained — long and complete.
6. Close the mouth at end of exhalation. Eyes return to normal.
7. Repeat 3-5 times.
The practice can feel ridiculous at first. This is part of it — the willingness to make the awkward face is itself releasing held social tension.
When to use
(1) Tension release. Especially useful for tension held in face, jaw, throat, and chest.
(2) Voice work. Excellent before public speaking, singing, or other voice-intensive work.
(3) Energy boost. The practice produces immediate energizing effect.
(4) For children. Kids love simhasana and benefit from its playfulness combined with real release.
(5) Throat chakra work. Specifically activates the throat center; useful when communication or self-expression is the focus.
(6) Stage fright or social anxiety. The practice's willingness to make the awkward face addresses some of the underlying social-tension that produces stage fright.
Contraindications & safety
Among the safest pranayamas. Minimal contraindications:
- Recent jaw surgery: avoid the wide mouth opening until healed. - Severe TMJ: practice gently, don't force the wide opening.
The practice is appropriate for nearly all practitioners.
Benefits
Traditionally: releases tension in face, jaw, throat, chest; activates the throat chakra (vishuddha); produces energizing effects; supports voice and self-expression; releases held emotional material.
In lived practice: practitioners describe immediate facial relaxation after simhasana — a felt-release that other practices don't reach. Particularly noticeable for practitioners with jaw clenching or TMJ tension.
History
Simhasana has classical hatha yoga tradition and has been continuously practiced. The practice's distinctive position links to Narasimha — the lion-incarnation of Vishnu — and to lion symbolism in broader Hindu and Buddhist tradition (the lion's roar of dharma, the seated lion as Buddha's protector).
Cultural context
Simhasana is widely shared across yoga traditions. The lion symbolism connects to broader Hindu and Buddhist iconography; practice with awareness of this context.
FAQ
Why does it feel so silly?
The position is deliberately unusual — open mouth, tongue out, eyes wide. The willingness to make this face is part of the practice. Most adults carry significant social tension that prevents making such expressions; simhasana releases this tension. The initial discomfort with the position is itself releasing what the practice is meant to release.
Should I really roar?
Some traditions encourage actual roaring; most use sustained "haaaa" sound that is noticeable but not loud. Choose what fits your context — alone in private practice, full sound is appropriate; in a class or shared space, softer is fine. The audible sound is part of the practice; total silence reduces the effect.
Is this just for kids?
Definitely not — adults benefit substantially from simhasana. Kids may take to it more naturally because they don't carry adult social tension; that's also why adults need it more. The practice is appropriate at any age.
Can I do this in public?
Generally no. The practice's distinctive position and audible sound makes it inappropriate for public spaces. Reserve for private practice or yoga class contexts. Brief tongue-extension stretches without the full pose can be done discreetly.
How often should I do this?
Brief regular practice (2-3 times weekly, 3-5 rounds per session) is typically sufficient. Daily practice is fine but the effects accumulate quickly; not necessary to overdo. Particularly useful before specific situations (presentations, voice work, social events with tension).
Astrological correspondence
Lion's breath — solar throat-chakra release.