Lion Pose

Simhasana

• Sit in Thunderbolt pose (Vajrasana).
• Separate the knees about 45cm apart and keep the toes in contact with each other.
• Lean forward and place the palms of the hands on the floor between the knees, fingertips pointing towards the body.
• Straighten the arms.
• Arch the back slightly and lean the upper body’s weight on the hands.
• Lift the chin and place a comfortable amount of tension in the neck.
• Close the eyes and focus the inner gaze at the eyebrow centre to perform shambhavi mudra.
• Close the eyes and relax the whole body.

Breathing

• Slow and rhythmical.

Awareness

• The stability of the body.
• The extension in the spine.
• Ajna chakra.

Contraindications

• Knee problems.

Benefits

• Blood flow from the legs is redirected to the abdomen stimulating the digestive system.
• Helps to remove piles.
• Strengthens the pelvic muscles.
• Useful in dilated veins of the testicles and hydrocele in men.
• Alleviates menstrual disorders, hernia and sciatica.
• Improves varicose veins and fluid retention in the legs.
• Lengthens the spinal cord.

Practice note

• If there is discomfort in the wrists when having the fingertips towards the body, place a blanket under the wrists or rotate the hands so that the fingers face forward.
• Place a small cushion between the thighs and the calves to release pressure on the knees.
• A cushion can also be placed under the ankles for more comfort.