Dr Parinita Singh
Vice Chairperson-IYA (Jharkhand Chapter), Guest Faculty, School of Yoga, Ranchi University
Winter should always endeavor to make our body and mind healthy and sound, this season is best time to nourish our physical body with different types of nutrients available. It is also best time for spiritual sadhana. One should utilize the Brahmamuhurta time for spiritual sadhana. By practicing different yogic techniques one can make himself healthy both physically and mentally. In this context, practicing a particular asana known as ‘Simhagarjanasana’ resembling the roaring of a lion would be immensely beneficial. Lion is the symbol of energy, strength, confidence and extrovertness and as the name suggests, the asana helps to boost energy and make one’s personality better. This asana influences sympathetic nervous system, which make left hemisphere of our brain more active. This part of our brain is responsible for analysis and logical reasoning. By practicing this asana we focus on our throat area and produce sound which has influence on our tonsil, thyroid and para-thyroid glands and the gross body as a whole. Apart from the influence on our physical body the asana also affects subtle parts like vishuddhi-chakra and ajna chakra.. Tonsil is the part of our lymphatic system which helps to remove toxin from our body. Simhagarjanasana stimulates blood flow to the tonsil and thereby helps in flushing out toxins accumulated in this part. Thyroid and Parathyroid glands maintain our metabolic rate and growth. Many nerves pass through the neck region and connect our brain with body, Simhagarjanasana stretches these nerves and improve the function of sensory and motor nerves. Practice of this asana also has impact on our chest area, indirectly influencing the thymus gland for better immunity. The posture of this asana is like Vajrasana. It has its own wonderful benefit and helps in digestion, which is important in winter season. Agni tattwa [ Manipur Chakra] is activated in this posture and helps to improve will-power, confidence and strength.
Procedure- For practice of Simhagarjanasana sit down in vajrasana, separate the knees slightly apart. Toes of both feet should be in touch. Lean forward and place both palms on the floor with both hands straight, in between the legs and fingers pointing backward. Back should be arch and arms straightened. Head slightly back. The eyes should be open and gaze at eyebrow center. Keep the mouth closed. Inhale through the nose slowly and deep. At the end of the inhalation open the mouth and extend the tongue, produce clear sound ‘Aaaaah’. At the end of the exhalation close your mouth and eyes. This constitutes one round. Repeat it at least 5 to 7 times initially. One important thing to keep in mind during practice of this asana is to be aware of the breath throughout.
