Lion’s Breath – A Yogic Breathing Exercise for Adults and Kids

Children naturally love doing yoga, they may not call it yoga, they may never have heard of yoga, but just observe them when they are playing.  Often sitting in hero’s pose – rolling over into plough pose, handstands and headstands – it is in their nature to move around and stretch and do yoga.  It is great to harness this natural ability from a young age and to encourage and stimulate your child’s imagination.  You can take them to classes or even buy a simple children’s yoga book.  Most of the postures take their names from animals anyway so this really appeals to children.

We can even encourage children to get involved in breathing exercises – a simple game of pretending to blow up a balloon – or to breathe on their hands and see if they can make the breath hot or cold, whatever they find fun.  What most children really love to do is lion’s breath, unlike some adults who can sometimes feel self-conscious, silly or just plain embarrassed.  It is useful for adults to try to forget their ego and just have a go – it is really worth it for all the benefits it brings.

The benefits of this technique are wonderful – the Sanskrit name for this technique is Simhasana or sometimes Simhagarjanasana which means ‘roaring lion’. 

Instructions for doing Lion’s breath:

1.     Relax the whole body.

2.    Inhale through the nose with the mouth closed,

3.    At the end of the inhalation open the mouth and extend the tongue out as far as possible to the chin and slowly exhale producing a steady ‘aaaaa’ sound keeping the throat wide.  There should be no strain or force.

4.    Repeat for several rounds.

You don’t need such specific instructions for children – just get them to copy you.  It can also be incorporated into a game or a story. 

The benefits of this breathing exercise (for both adults and children) are as follows:

1.     Great for the health of the throat, nose, ears and mouth especially if done facing the healing rays of the early morning sun.  It helps to increase blood flow to the throat area so can provide instant relief for sore throats.

2.    Helps to release emotional tension and relieves frustration – this can be an invaluable tool for children with hot tempers.

3.    Tension is removed from the chest and diaphragm.

4.    Wonderful for people who stutter or who are introverted and nervous.

5.    Helps to develop a strong, clear voice.

6.    Balances energy in the throat chakra – which can help with issues of communication and expression.

For adult practitioners of yoga this is traditionally done in a kneeling position with knees apart and leaning forward with palms on the floor with fingers pointing towards the body, the arms are straightened and the back arched.  When doing this with kids it can be done in a simple kneeling position or even standing, with children’s yoga the emphasis needs to be on fun and enjoyment without worries about traditional practice or specific alignment of the body.  As long as the child is safe and happy then that is the priority!

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