Gomukhasana takes its name from the Sanskrit words ‘Go’, meaning cow, ‘Mukha’, meaning face, and ‘Asana’, meaning pose.
This posture is pronounced as: go-moo-KAHS-anna
How To Do Gomukhasana (The Cow Face Pose)
- Sit erect on the ground with your legs stretched out in front of you, preferably in Dandasana.
- Now gently bend your left leg, and place it under your right buttock.
- Fold your right leg and place it over your left thigh.
- Place both your knees close together as they are stacked one on top of the other.
- Gently fold your left arm and place it behind your back.
- Take your right arm over your right shoulder, and stretch it as much as you can until it reaches your left hand.
- Keep the trunk erect, expand your chest, and lean slightly back.
- Hold this pose for as long as you are comfortable, as you breathe slowly and deeply.
- Concentrate on your breathing.
Benefits of Gomukhasana (The Cow Face Pose)
- Cures sciatica
- Helps in high blood-pressure
- Reproductive organs are toned up.
- Cures stiff shoulders
- Elongates spine
- Beneficial for those with bad posture
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Strengthens back muscles
- It enhances the working of the kidneys, thereby helping those suffering from diabetes.
- Strengthens muscles of ankles, hips, thighs, shoulders, triceps, inner armpits and chest.
Contraindications of Gomukhasana
- Muscle pain
- Injury in legs
- Shoulder pain
- Spondylitis
- Piles
- Intense pain while stretching