Have you ever been asked to do a Lion’s Breath in class and just felt way too embarrassed or unsure to participate? Lion’s breath is when you stick out your tongue and pop your eyes on the exhale, making a loud “HA” sound. It’s intense! And it can be intimidating to go all out without knowing why we do this breath, or what the benefits are.
Lion’s breath is a great way to stretch your throat and face muscles, release inhibitions, and tap into your inner strength and courage. (Lion vibes!)
There is so much to learn about lion’s breath, including the basics, all of the benefits you can expect from this technique, and where and when you can practice it. Whether you are taking an on-demand yoga class or a live class, you can gain the confidence to release stress and tension with a roar.
Key takeaways
- Lion’s breath is a powerful technique for stretching your facial and throat muscles
- Lion’s breath is also a potent way to release inhibitions
- Lion’s breath has ancient roots in Yogic Pranayama
Lion’s breath, also known as simhasana pranayama, is a breath control exercise typically performed during yoga practice. This breathing technique is unique in that it focuses on stretching the face and throat, including the jaw and tongue.
It is done in a comfortable, seated position. You forcefully exhale from the throat while your tongue is extended out and your eyes are rolled up into the head. When done properly, it will result in a deep “ha” sound, mimicking a lion’s roar.
Where Did Lion’s Breath Originate?
Like many other pranayama techniques, lion's breath comes from India. It began as a Hindu tradition and is still practiced in India today, but it is now known all over the world. More than 55 million Americans participated in yoga in 2020!
What Does Lion’s Breath Do?
Lion’s breath extends the breath, expanding lung capacity and mental concentration and awakening the mind-body connection. When practiced intentionally, it will unite the mental, physical, and spiritual body through the breath. This practice can have many incredible benefits.
Some benefits include developing self-awareness as you check in with your body. You may also notice an improvement in how you process emotions. When you feel more centered, your fight-or-flight response will calm and you will have a better feeling about yourself overall. In more technical terms, lion’s breath can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for your body’s restful conditions.
Stretches Face and Throat Muscles
We often remember to stretch the muscles in our arms and legs but overlook or forget about our facial and throat muscles. All of those muscles are used daily, often without even a thought. Talking, smiling, and chewing are just a few things we do regularly to use those muscles.
The facial muscles form a complex web and can attach to the skin, each other, and bone which means you will get tension and resistance in the face. Many people store stress in their faces by clenching their jaws. This tension can result in many negative health concerns, including TMJ.
When you add lion’s breath to your breathwork and yoga practice, you will notice such a release in your muscles as you unclench your jaw during the dramatic exhale. You will also begin to notice you can stretch and extend that stretch further and further each time. For this reason, it is suggested that to see the maximum benefit,s you need to be consistent and practice this routine daily.
Helps Relieve Stress
We are pretty confident that this is one we could all benefit from. Whether you are experiencing a stressful life event or just the stresses of day-to-day life, knowing a way for your mind and body to relieve the stress is reassuring. Lion’s breath opens the energy center in the throat. This will not only boost your confidence and increase your ability to utilize your voice, but it will also calm stress, anger, and disquiet in the mind.
This yogic technique can help you clear tension or stress. According to a recent study, breath control has been proven to lower blood pressure and heart rate, which results in a sense of calm. All of these physiological results can positively impact your emotional and mental state, helping you process emotions more calmly and think more clearly and quickly.
Helps Boost Self-Confidence
Self-confidence is about your trust in yourself and your ability to deal with challenges, solve problems and engage successfully with the world. This is something we can all use a little more of. As we have said, doing the lion’s breath exercise can feel a little silly whether you’re doing it in the privacy of your own home or in a class with others.
The facial expression and sound it makes may make you feel a little funny at first, but trust us, you will soon be roaring like the best of them. Each time you do this exercise, it will get easier and more comfortable for you. This will boost your self-confidence because you will soon realize that everyone is too busy worrying about themselves and no one really minds what you’re doing.
That’s why it is important to keep up with the practice and consistently incorporate it into your routine. You will reap the physical and mental benefits of the stretch.
How Can I Learn Lion’s Breath?
Practice: Lion's Breath
Lion’s breath is traditionally done in lion’s pose either on your knees and seated on your feet or with your legs crossed. Have your fingers extended over the knee with straight arms. Begin the breath with an inhale through the nose, and hold for a moment.
As you get ready to exhale, stick out your tongue, curling its tip towards the chin, and roll your eyes back into your head. Use your throat and exhale with a distinct “ha” sound. It should come freely without constricting the throat. Remember, you may feel silly as you first try it so don’t feel like you have to take it so seriously.
When Can I Do Lion’s Breath?
While it’s traditionally done in a pose while practicing yoga, there are no specific requirements or even equipment needed. This means you can do this in your car if you are stuck in traffic or even at your desk at work. (You may want to shut the door first, though.)
At Open, you can access breathing classes and movement classes online 24/7. Our classes offer a fresh take on mindfulness by blending old and new traditions and techniques.
Conclusion
Lion’s breath will have you feeling calm and confident with each practice. Remember to have fun with it and let loose. Now is the time to unleash your inner lion and transform your mind through body and breath.