Breathwork has been known to increase oxygen levels in the body and to calm the mind and body. This is the time when connected to the self, actual healing can take place. There are many ways to immerse yourself in the habit of breathing. However, one technique can be more powerful than the rest. 

Yes, you can become the king or queen of the jungle through a powerful breathing technique that will bring out the conqueror in you. By conquering, I mean to overcome your stresses and anxieties. The secret to this technique is found in a yogic breathing called “The Lion’s Breath.” The result is empowered relaxation. 

While there are several breathing exercises designed to calm the body, most of them are silent. This one, has a little bit more drama with results that may astound you.

The powerful breath

Simha Pranayama is Lion’s Breath in Sanskrit.  You stick out your tongue and mimic a lion’s roar without the sound. In its place you will release a deep and big “Haaa” sound. 

Known as a powerful breathing exercise, this is not for the faint of heart. So, if you wish to acknowledge the beast in you and release every passionate emotion you can muster, then this technique is for you.

Here are its benefits:

•Improve lung capacity

•Stimulate the throat

•Strengthen respiratory muscles

•Relieve stress and anxiety

•Over-all calmness and balance. This helps pull you out of the “fight or flight mode.”

•Activation of facial muscles, which release tension.

•improves sleep

•increases mindfulness and being present in the moment

Thyroid aid

This breathing is connected to the thyroid (the 5th chakra). It is an energy center. And during the season of colds and coughs, this technique can clear your throat and exercise those neck muscles. Another benefit is the stimulation of your vocal cords and diaphragm. This is a favorite exercise for singers and those who may wish to overcome the tendency to stutter. 

Remember that the fifth chakra is also the seat of creativity, communication  and energy.

There is an underlying message to those who need to attend to their throat area. Perhaps you have been suppressing the need to express yourself. There are conversations that need to take place in your life but you have not found the courage to speak those words or to open up. It is time to speak out.

How to do “Lion’s Breath”

1. Sit comfortably on a chair or on the floor in a yoga pose. 

2. Eyes shut or open is alright. You can focus on any object in front of you.

3. Lean forward a bit

4. Hands on knees.

5. Straighten your back.

6. Inhale through the nose.

7. Open your mouth

8. Stick your tongue out as close to the chin as possible.

9. Exhale through the mouth with a Haaa that comes from deep in your stomach.

10. Breath normally.

11. Repeat seven times. 

12. Afterwards, breathe normally for three minutes with eyes closed.

Release and let go.

This practice is an effective way to unload. If it is time to release something in your life – an emotion, hurt or disappointment, then now is the time.

While doing the breathing, imagine that you have released the unwanted, the useless and the undesirable in your life. 

After this, you will feel lighter. Your inner baggage will be gone. Just keep going. Inner healing is a process. Trust in yours.