Gomukhasana or Cow Face Pose: An ideal yoga asana to stretch and restore power

Gomukhasana, also referred to as Cow Face Pose, is a yoga pose that may assist you to infuse power and vibrancy. So as to full the pose, you should fold your legs in a method which are stated to resemble a cow’s mouth, whereas the elbows type the form of a cow’s ears! Attention-grabbing, isn’t it?

Not solely does this pose look tremendous attention-grabbing, however the well being advantages, each psychological and bodily, are great. From higher kidney well being to stronger shoulders and higher torso, the Gomukhasana asana works wonders on your physique. Well being Pictures bought in contact with Ashtanga, Yin and Face Yoga instructor Prerna Sinha to know do the Gomukhasana pose.

What’s the Gomukhasana pose or Cow Face Pose?

Gomukhasana is a Yoga pose which resembles a cow’s face. It has its roots in Hatha Yoga, and its identify is derived from the Sanskrit phrases “gau” (cow) and “mukha” (face). “This pose is defined within the Darshana Upanishad, that was written within the 4th century. Gomukha is among the holiest locations and the form of this mountain (the snout of the Gangotri glacier) resembles a cow’s mouth. Therefore the identify Gomukha. That is the place river Ganga additionally originates,” explains Sinha.

What’s the significance of Gomukhasana pose?

The pose is called Gomukhasana as a result of the arms within the ultimate place resemble the face of a cow. In Hindu mythology, the cow is taken into account sacred and symbolic of non-violence, purity, and abundance. “Gomukhasana is alleged to symbolise steadiness and the mixing of opposites. The crossed legs symbolize the merging of the masculine and female points, whereas the arms crossed behind the again symbolize the unity of the breath,” says Sinha.

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It’s stated to be an asana to carry consciousness to the Ajna chakra or the third eye. “As soon as this pose is full, an power circuit is created in the whole backbone. The prana (power) is trapped throughout the physique with the legs and fingers in an interlock, giving no house for the downward circulate of power (Apana Vayu). The surplus power could be channeled effectively when one is comfy holding the posture,” she says.

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Learn how to do the Gomukhasana pose?

Step 1: Sit in Sukhasana or the simple sitting pose.
Step 2: Cross your proper knee and place it in your left knee.
Step 3: Maintain the best knee on prime of the left one. If that is robust, proceed in any cross-legged place of your alternative.
Step 4: Take your proper hand up and hold it behind your higher again.
Step 5: Maintain your left arm behind your again, palm dealing with outward, and attempt to interlock your fingers.
Step 6: Open your chest, hold your chin barely up and sit within the posture for a couple of breaths.
Step 7: Now, change the leg and fingers. In case your left leg is up, the identical hand will go up.
Step 8: For those who can’t attain your fingers, use a strap or maintain the ends of a towel with every hand. Sit within the posture for two minutes on every leg.

Well being Advantages of Cow Face Pose or Gomukhasana

Gomukhasana is nice to stretch your total physique—your shoulders and arms, your ankles, hips, thighs and again. “The pose encourages deep respiration, which might have a chilled impact on the thoughts. Common follow of Gomukhasana is believed to stimulate the kidneys and belly organs,” says Sinha. Listed below are the opposite advantages:

1. Shoulder and chest stretch

Gomukhasana opens and stretches the shoulders and chest, enhancing flexibility and decreasing rigidity.

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2. Hip opener

The crossed-leg place helps open and stretch the hips.

3. Improved posture

Common follow can contribute to raised posture by releasing rigidity within the higher again and shoulders.

4. Relieves aches

The Gomukhasana pose is nice for relieving aches and pains. It really works wonders on your again ache, sciatica, rheumatism and many others. Alleviates cramps within the legs and makes the leg muscle groups supple.

5. Stress discount

The deep respiration related to this pose can promote rest and scale back stress.

6. Stimulation of belly organs

Gomukhasana stimulates the kidneys and belly organs, probably enhancing digestion.

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What should you remember whereas doing Gomukhasana?

Listed below are some very important pointers to bear in mind earlier than doing this pose:

1. In case your hips really feel tight, sit on the sting of a folded blanket or on a block.
2. If clasping your fingers is difficult, use a strap or maintain onto a towel to progressively work in direction of a deeper stretch.
3. Deal with protecting the backbone straight and the chest lifted in the course of the pose.
4. Don’t overstretch or maintain your breath. For those who really feel any pull in any muscle or any knee ache, get out of the pose and stretch the muscle.

Disclaimer: As with every yoga follow, it’s advisable to seek the advice of with a professional yoga teacher or healthcare skilled, particularly when you’ve got any pre-existing medical situations or issues.