In Sanskrit Simha means Lion. This therefore is known as the lion posture, and one performing it can be said to resemble a roaring lion about to attack.
Position of Readiness
Fold back both the legs at the knees and be seated on the curve of soles and toes, keeping the heels apart and turned upwards under the hips.
Make the body straight. Keep the head, the neck and the spine in one line. Look in front. Put the palms on their respective side knees. Breathe normally.
Steps
Place the balls of the hands on the knees, straighten the arms and keep the back erect and the head straight
Start exhaling partially through both nostrils and partially through mouth and at the same time start extending out the tongue. Let the tongue come out fully. By the time the tongue has been pushed out, the exhalation should be over. Then retain the breath.
Spread out the fingers of both hands and tighten them. Stretch the eyes and make them look frightening. Keep the whole body tight- Stay in this tight and strained condition for about six to eight seconds. This is the Simha Asana.
Stay in the asana for a few seconds, start inhaling arid withdrawing- the tongue. Let the body be gradually loosened while inhaling and pulling back the tongue. When the tongue has been fully withdrawn, close the mouth and breathe normally and rest for a few seconds.
Let the whole body relax, while being sealed in the same position.
Daily Practice
Do not make more than four rounds in a single sitting. Begin with two rounds daily during the first week.
Benefits
The Simha Asana benefits various parts of the body that most other asanas do not. i.e. the face, jaw, mouth, throat and tongue.
It has medicinal value for curing throat trouble, voice deficiency and tonsillitis. It has also good effect on the respiratory system. It activates the larynx, trachea and all the bronchioles. It provides an invigorative effect on the thyroid cartilages.
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