The lion, or simhasana, is a yoga pose that imitates the body position and the facial expression of a roaring lion. It is very easy to do and can be performed by both adults and children. This position is unique compared to other positions since its benefits are primarily centered on the structures of the neck going up to the face. It provides good exercise for the facial muscles and the fix gaze helps in reducing strain in the eyes. Individuals with throat problems, such as sore throat and tonsillitis, and those who suffer from tightness of the jaw muscles can also benefit from this position.
Design a Yoga Room
While it is not essential to have a yoga room in order to practice yoga, you may find that creating a special space in your home provides inspiration, relaxation and tranquility for your yoga sessions. Create a yoga room that suits your needs and style.
Protect the Knees In Yoga
Any yoga pose that requires you bend the knee (flexion) or straighten the leg (extending the knee) can place the knee joint at risk if you are also twisting the knee improperly or if the pose is weight-bearing. Take time to learn how to protect vulnerable knee joints. They are held in place by long, ropey ligaments that receive less blood supply than bulky muscles. Once strained, the ligaments and tendons that attach muscles to the knee joints take longer to heal. Learn how to stabilize the knee joints sitting, standing and in balance poses in yoga to prevent unnecessary strain or serious injuries.
Practice Yoga for Hiatal Hernia Relief
A hiatal hernia occurs when your stomach protrudes through a hole in your diaphragm. A large hole will allow stomach acid to get into the esophagus causing heartburn and chest pain. Surgery may be necessary with a very large hole. In his book, "Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health," internationally renowned guru B.K.S. Iyengar illustrates 27 sequenced positions for the treatment of hiatal hernia including mountain pose, extended mountain pose and extended triangle pose. Deep yoga breathing in these three poses will provide strength and flexibility to the muscles involved.
Prevent and Correct Spine Problems With Yoga
There’s an expression that floats around in the yoga world: You’re only as strong as your spine is flexible. We’ve all seen what happens when a spine suffers too much wear and tear. People get bent over, sometimes so severely that their upper torso is parallel to the ground. Add years of sitting at a desk and pounding on a computer to the natural aging process, and you’re going to end up with a rounded back and a head that juts forward. Here are a few tips on how to prevent this from happening--and how to correct problems you may have already begun to notice--through yoga.