Lion's Breath (Simhasana)

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Breathe In

Cycle 1 of 6

8 seconds per cycle

24 seconds total

inhale

exhale

A playful, tension-releasing yogic breath: a powerful open-mouthed exhale with the tongue out and a soft roar, releasing tension in the face and throat.

Cadence: 7.5 bpm
Difficulty: beginner
Effect: Energizing
Family: Release Ignite
For: SomaticEnergyPranayama

How to practice

1.Sit comfortably (kneeling or cross-legged is traditional) with your hands resting on your knees or thighs.
2.Inhale fully and easily through the nose.
3.Open the mouth wide, stretch the tongue down toward the chin, and let the eyes open, gazing softly up toward the brow.
4.Exhale forcefully through the mouth with an audible 'haaa', as if fogging a mirror, sweeping the breath across the throat.
5.Relax the face, take a few normal breaths, then repeat a handful of times.

When to use this

When your jaw, face, or shoulders are clenched, before a presentation, or any time you want to shake off tension and self-consciousness with something a little playful.

Benefits

Releases facial and jaw tension
Discharges pent-up stress
Energises and enlivens
Relieves self-consciousness

Mechanism

The wide open-mouthed exhale and the exaggerated stretch of the tongue and face release tension held in the jaw, throat, and cheeks, areas that quietly tighten under stress. The forceful, sigh-like exhale also lengthens the out-breath, which leans on the calming, parasympathetic side of the breath. And doing something deliberately silly can interrupt a stress loop and loosen social tension, so the benefit is as much about release as any specific physiological switch.

Evidence

There is little formal research on Lion's Breath by name. Its value is best understood through two well-supported ideas: long, complete exhalations tend to calm the nervous system, and consciously stretching and releasing facial and jaw muscles eases held tension. Consider it a low-risk, feel-good reset rather than a studied intervention.

Lineage

Lion's Breath comes from Simhasana, the 'lion pose' of Hatha yoga described in classical texts, in which the practitioner mimics a roaring lion, tongue out, eyes wide, gaze lifted. It has traditionally been said to relieve tension and, in some lineages, to benefit the throat and voice.

Variations and progression

Seated in a chair for accessibility, without the full kneeling pose.
A softer version with a quieter exhale when you're self-conscious or in a shared space.
Two or three repetitions in a row, then a rest, as a quick tension-release burst.

Start with two or three rounds seated. Add the full Simhasana pose (kneeling, hands pressing the knees with fingers splayed) as you grow comfortable. Use it as a lively punctuation mark between longer, calmer practices rather than a standalone session.

Practice next

Common mistakes

Doing it so timidly that the tension never actually releases, the point is a full, uninhibited exhale.
Straining or craning the neck when lifting the gaze; keep the neck soft.
Clenching the jaw again right afterward instead of letting it hang loose.

FAQ

Do I have to stick my tongue out?

It's the signature of the pose and it helps release the jaw and throat, but a strong open-mouthed exhale still helps if you'd rather keep the tongue in.

Won't I look silly?

A little, and that's part of the point. It's a quick way to loosen up and let go of self-consciousness. Do it privately if you prefer.

Safety

Gentle for most people; keep the neck relaxed and don't force the gaze upward if you have neck problems.
Ease off the intensity if you have glaucoma or other eye-pressure concerns, since the wide-eyed effort can feel uncomfortable.
If your throat feels scratchy or raw, soften the exhale and do fewer rounds.

Breathwork is a complement to (not a replacement for) professional medical care. If you have a heart, respiratory, or blood-pressure condition, are pregnant, or feel unwell, check with a clinician before practising breath-hold techniques.