Breath of Fire with Lion’s Paws

Reset Your Brain’s Electromagnetic Field

This powerful kriya is a two-exercise practice that has a powerful and immediate effect on the brain and its energy field. The hand position (Lion’s Paws) stimulates reflexes in the fingertips, sending signals to different brain regions. The arm movements help circulate lymphatic fluid and activate the nervous system. Breath of Fire combined with these actions is thought to improve the function of the pituitary and pineal glands, enhancing brain function.

Part 1

Posture & Mudra: Sit in Easy Pose (Sukhasana) with a light Neck Lock (Jalandhara Bandha). Make Lion’s Paws with both hands. Curl and clench your fingers tightly like claws, maintaining this tension throughout the practice. Extend both arms out to the sides, parallel to the ground, with palms facing up.

Movement & Breath: In a continuous, rhythmic motion:

  • Exhale as you raise both arms and cross the wrists over the crown of your head. Your elbows are bent, and your palms face down.
  • Inhale as you bring your arms out and back to the starting position.
  • Move rapidly in coordination with the breath, so it becomes a powerful Breath of Fire.
  • Alternate which wrist is in front as they cross overhead.

Duration: Continue for 9 minutes.

Ending:

  • Exhale. Relax and lower your arms.
  • Continuing the arm movement, stick your tongue out as far as possible and hold for 15 seconds.
  • Inhale, retract your tongue, and raise your arms to form an arc around your head. Palms should face down, about six inches apart in the Lion’s Paw mudra.
  • Hold your breath for 15 seconds. Hold the posture as you exhale completely and inhale again.
  • Hold your breath for 30 seconds. 

Part II

Illustration of Jerry sitting in easy pose with gyan mudra.

Posture & Mudra: Sit in Easy Pose (Sukhasana).

Mindful Attention:Meditate at your Heart Center, focusing on the gentle flow of your breath. To enhance the experience, you can chant a mantra or sing an inspiring or uplifting song.

Duration: Continue for 3-5 minutes.

Access Level
Public
Lineage
Kundalini
Does this practice have mantras?
No
What is the time range for this practice?
12-31 Minutes
Teacher
Yogi Bhajan