Lion Pose (Simhasana) Pose in Yoga
Pose Information |
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Sanskrit Name |
Simhasana |
Pose Level |
1 |
Contraindications and Cautions |
If you have a knee injury, always be cautious in flexed-knee sitting positions and, if necessary, sit on a chair to do the pose. |
Modifications and Props |
If you find the leg position described above to be uncomfortable, simply sit in Virasana. Sit on a block positioned between your feet. |
Deepen the Pose |
Some old instructional manuals teach that Jalandhara Bandha should be performed during Simhasana. |
Theraputic Applications |
According to several sources, Simhasana is a useful pose for people with bad breath or for those who stutter. |
Follow-up Poses |
Simhasana is a good pose to use to "clear the air," so to speak, at or near the beginning of an asana or pranayama practice. So almost any pose would be appropriate to practice next. |
Beginner's Tip |
The hands and shoulder blades are sympathetically connected. As you spread the right palm on the right knee, feel how the shoulder blade spreads across your back. Similarly, as you press each palm against the same-side knee, feel how the same-side shoulder blade presses more deeply into the back, helping to lift the heart. |
Benefits |
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Partnering |
Nobody wants to partner with a lion. |
Variations |
Sit in what's called Mandukasana (Frog Pose; manduka = frog). Kneel on the floor and sit back on your heels; then wiggle your buttocks down onto the inner arches of the feet, which together form a kind of saddle. Then, keeping the inner tips of your big toes touching, spread your knees wide, at least as wide as your outer hips. Now lean your torso forward and press your palms on the floor between your legs, fingers turned back toward your pelvis. Keep your elbows as straight as possible. Then perform the pose as described in Step 4 above. |
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