simhasana - Lion’s Breath

Effects: This Pranayama opens the throat and chest, releases tension from the jaw, and clears negative energy from the body and mind.

Method: Kneel in Vajrasana with the heels under the hips, (or hips can sit on a block). Place the palms on the upper thighs. Reach up through the crown of the head to lengthen along the spine. Inhale deeply here. As you begin the exhalation, slide the hands towards the knees. Open the mouth wide and roar with your breath as you exhale, while you simultaneously open the eyes wide, look upwards, stick the tongue out, making a fierce lion face. Repeat several times.

Variations: It’s very fun and liberating to practice this breath while in asanas! Some asanas that work well with this pranayama are lunge, cobra, sphinx, and utkatasana. Try it out with this breath rhythym: inhale while engaging the abdominal muscles and coiling in, exhale into the lion’s roar while opening up the chest and lifting the gaze.