Lion's Breath (Simhasana)
Lion's breath is a pranayama and yoga posture targeting the muscles of the face, neck, and throat. It involves a forceful exhalation with tongue extended and eyes wide, releasing tension in the face and neck while stimulating the throat region.
How to do it
- Sit in a comfortable kneeling or cross-legged position with your hands on your knees.
- Inhale deeply through your nose, spreading your fingers wide and sitting tall.
- Open your mouth wide and exhale forcefully, extending your tongue down toward your chin.
- Simultaneously open your eyes wide and direct your gaze upward between your eyebrows.
- Repeat the breath 3-5 times, then return to normal breathing.
Form cues
- Sit tall with a neutral spine
- Inhale deeply through your nose
- Open your mouth wide and stretch your tongue down
- Keep your gaze fixed upward
- Exhale with a controlled, audible breath
Breathing: Focus on a full, deep inhale and a forceful, complete exhalation.
Common mistakes
- Tensing the shoulders, which prevents deep breathing
- Holding the breath, which defeats the purpose of the release
- Over-straining the jaw muscles, which can cause discomfort
- Rounding the back, which limits lung expansion
Muscles worked
Primary: neck. Secondary: chest, abs.
Suggested sets & reps
Get fitter
3 sets x 5 breaths, rest 30s
Lose weight
3 sets x 5 breaths, rest 30s
Build muscle
3 sets x 5 breaths, rest 30s
Easier, harder & alternatives
Make it easier
Make it harder
Take care if…
- If you have jaw or neck pain, ease off and perform the movement with a smaller range of motion.
- If you feel lightheaded, return to normal breathing immediately.
General educational guidance, not medical advice. Stop on sharp pain and check with a qualified professional if unsure.
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Start free →Frequently asked questions
Why do I feel silly doing this?
It is normal to feel self-conscious! The movement is designed to release facial tension, and the expression is a natural part of the technique.
How often should I practice this?
You can perform this 3-5 times whenever you feel the need to release stress or tension in your face and neck.
Can I do this if I have jaw pain?
If you have jaw pain, perform the movement gently without forcing your mouth wide open. Stop if you feel any sharp sensation.