Contents
Simhasana – lion pose. It is rarely given in yoga classes, and in vain. This is the best asana for treating the throat and preventing upper respiratory tract disease, one of the most effective in combating stress and aging. Yes, yes, the lion pose helps to remove mimic wrinkles and makes the face oval elastic.
Of course, this is not the most beautiful pose, because you need to bulge your eyes, stick out your tongue as far as possible and growl at the same time (hence the name of the asana). But it’s worth it!
Take note: the lion pose is great for stopping an oncoming cold. As soon as you feel a sore throat, a characteristic noise in your head – sit down in favor of the lion. How does it work, and what makes a quick recovery happen?
Groaning with the tongue hanging out breaks the top layer of the epithelium of the throat and exposes the receptors. They recognize the presence of infection, begin to “ring the bells”. Immunity wakes up and does not allow the disease to develop. In short, it is.
By improving blood circulation in the neck, the lion pose also helps fight infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract. What is not unimportant, it eliminates bad breath (goodbye menthol chewing gum!), Cleans the tongue from plaque.
The benefits of exercise
What other positive effects does the lion pose have?
- Due to specific breathing, asana activates the immune system.
- Improves the functioning of the lymph nodes, tonsils and lungs.
- Strengthens the ligaments of the throat, the muscles of the neck and abdomen (the press works when breathing).
- Eliminates double chin! And in general, it tightens the oval of the face, smoothes fine wrinkles. After practice, the blush returns (and a smile, as a bonus).
- Reduces stress levels. You just need to growl properly. Don’t be shy, let yourself go! Let all negative emotions, aggression, resentment come out. And you yourself will not notice how, after a few roars, your tension will subside, your strength will return.
- The lion pose exercises the vocal cords. By increasing blood flow to the throat, the exercise helps to eliminate even speech defects.
- This asana is offered to perform not only in yoga classes. For example, television people practice the lion pose before broadcasting or recording a program in order to relax the muscles of the face, neck, and remove stiffness. For the same purpose, the exercise can be done by everyone who “works with the voice”: speakers, readers, singers and lecturers.
- And the lion pose also improves mood (of course!) and helps to overcome stiffness and shyness.
Exercise harm
There are no contraindications for the lion pose.
How to Do the Lion Pose for Sore Throat
There are several positions of the body in this asana. We offer you the classic version. Watch it also in our video tutorial.
Step by step execution technique
Step 1
We sit on our knees and heels (this pose in yoga is called Vajrasana).
Step 2
We put our palms on our knees, strain and spread our fingers to the sides. As if we are releasing claws.
Step 3
We check the position of the spine, it should be straight. We stretch the neck and press the chin well to the chest (yes, someone may immediately have a second chin – do not be shy about this, we continue).
ATTENTION! The chest is directed forward. Pull your shoulders back and down.
Step 4
With the chin pressed to the chest, look up at the point between the eyebrows. We look frowningly like a real ferocious lion.
Step 5
We take a breath, as we exhale we open our mouth wide, stick out our tongue as far forward and down as possible and pronounce such a hissing sound “Khhhhhaaaaa”.
ATTENTION! Keyword: open your mouth wide, don’t be shy! We stick out the tongue to the limit. The body is tense, especially the neck and throat. The sound is exhaled. We speak as loudly as possible. Roar your heart out.
Step 6
After exhalation, hold your breath for 4-5 seconds without changing position.
ATTENTION! The tongue is still sticking out. The eyes also look askance.
Step 7
We take a breath through our nose, without closing our mouth, and again growl: “Khhhhhaaaaa”. We perform 3-4 more approaches.
This is a necessary minimum for those who have a sore throat. And be sure to repeat the exercise throughout the day. For a quick recovery, it is better to do 10 times, then the effect will come faster.
As you already understood, the lion pose is also very good as a prevention of diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Keep this practice in mind during the cold season! Get into the habit of, for example, growling after brushing your teeth. Do it yourself, get the kids involved! And morning, and your health will be from this only in order!