Simha Kriya, an ancient Yogic technique that finds a mention in various scriptures like Gheranda Samhita for its manifold benefits. “Simha” translated as the great lion and thence the name “Simha Kriya”.
Let’s understand this effective technique step by step:
Q. What is the posture to be in?
Simhasana (Lion Pose); One should place the two ankles kept upwards crosswise under the pelvis and knees apart on the ground. The spine should be straight and the neck slightly extended with chin-up (just like a lion sitting). Hands-on the ground with fingers spread as much as possible and place them ahead of knees and elbows extended.
Q. What is the breathing procedure?
Once the person is comfortably sitting in the lion pose; he should exhale completely and inhale as much as possible. Now, with the lion-like expression on the face and eyes wide open, the person should open the mouth as wide as possible with a jaw drop and protrude the tongue. Start exhaling forcefully from the mouth like the roaring of the lion. This forceful exhalation is done energetically which can sound like the roar of the lion with a sound similar to “aahh” from the throat.
Once the practice is regularly performed for a month or if the practitioner is healthy enough, the practitioner can start holding the breath after inhalation from the nose and breath-hold after the roaring exhalation is done. Hold time may vary according to the capacity and advisable to increase the hold duration. It is known as “Kumbhakas” in the ancient yoga texts. According to the father of Yoga Philosophy ‘Maharshi Patanjali’ in his Patanjali Yoga Sutra, he explains: “While being in that pose (Asana) the break in the regular rhythmic movement of the inhalation and/or the exhalation (both) (is) Pranayama.
[NOTE: for the advanced yoga practitioners- it is beneficial to practice all three Bandhas (Jalandhar Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha, and Muladhara Bandha) during the Simha Kriya or at least Jalandhar Bandha – The Throat Lock specifically.]
Also Read: Introduce Yoga To Kids For Better Concentration And Health.
Q. How many times we can repeat?
It is advisable to complete three times breathing with at least a minute rest after each. You may do it in the morning as well as evening each time three sets of breathing.
Q. Dietary precautions?
The empty stomach is the best or else no food to be taken for at least two hours before the Kriya.
Q. Who can do it?
Anyone above 6 years can perform the Simha Kriya including the menstrual cycle phase or pregnancy. But, the Lion pose should be performed under the assistance or guidance of the experts only.
Benefits of the Simha Kriya
Be like a lion! The king of your own body and mind!
-Immunity Booster
- In Simha Kriya; the body, face, and breathing including sound mimic the lion to invoke energy and strength like a lion which in turn use to enhance the self-defensive power of the body and the mind.
- Expands the lungs and adds to the lung capacity.
-Detoxification
- Throat and chest cleansing happen due to forceful exhalation with a sound like a lion’s roar along with tongue muscle stretch.
- If the holder of the breath is also practiced, it may remove the oxidative stress and carbon dioxide effectively
-Destroyer of diseases
- This Kriya improves the ‘prana’ (energy) flow in the Nadis (energy channels) in the pranic body which can heal many physical as well as mental issues.
- Emotional Balancing
- Roar like a lion can enhance mental strength and clear the throat chakra.
- Pranayama effect can improve the heart chakra power.
-Stress Reliever
- Relaxes the respiratory muscles and facial muscles as well.
- Gentle manipulation to the body and the mind with this Kriya can lead to taking the required rest of the body and the mind.
For your queries, contact Dr. Janhvi Kathrani at jk.swasthya108@gmail.com
