Gomukhasana or Cow Face Pose: A perfect yoga asana to stretch and restore energy

Gomukhasana, also referred to as Cow Face Pose, is a yoga pose that may make it easier to infuse vitality and vibrancy. With a purpose to full the pose, it’s essential to fold your legs in a manner which might be mentioned to resemble a cow’s mouth, whereas the elbows type the form of a cow’s ears! Fascinating, isn’t it?

Not solely does this pose look tremendous fascinating, however the well being advantages, each psychological and bodily, are super. From higher kidney well being to stronger shoulders and higher torso, the Gomukhasana asana works wonders in your physique. Well being Pictures bought in contact with Ashtanga, Yin and Face Yoga instructor Prerna Sinha to grasp 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 without doubt one of 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 claimed to symbolise stability and the mixing of opposites. The crossed legs symbolize the merging of the masculine and female features, whereas the arms crossed behind the again symbolize the unity of the breath,” says Sinha.

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It’s mentioned to be an asana to deliver consciousness to the Ajna chakra or the third eye. “As soon as this pose is full, an vitality circuit is created in the complete backbone. The prana (vitality) is trapped inside the physique with the legs and arms in an interlock, giving no area for the downward circulate of vitality (Apana Vayu). The surplus vitality might be channeled effectively when one is snug holding the posture,” she says.

How you can 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 correct knee on prime of the left one. If that is robust, proceed in any cross-legged place of your selection.
Step 4: Take your proper hand up and hold it behind your higher again.
Step 5: Maintain your left arm behind your again, palm going through outward, and attempt to interlock your arms.
Step 6: Open your chest, hold your chin barely up and sit within the posture for just a few breaths.
Step 7: Now, change the leg and arms. In case your left leg is up, the identical hand will go up.
Step 8: When you 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 respiratory, which might have a relaxing impact on the thoughts. Common follow of Gomukhasana is believed to stimulate the kidneys and stomach organs,” says Sinha. Listed below are the opposite advantages:

1. Shoulder and chest stretch

Gomukhasana opens and stretches the shoulders and chest, bettering flexibility and lowering 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 in your again ache, sciatica, rheumatism and many others. Alleviates cramps within the legs and makes the leg muscle tissues supple.

5. Stress discount

The deep respiratory related to this pose can promote leisure and scale back stress.

6. Stimulation of stomach organs

Gomukhasana stimulates the kidneys and stomach organs, doubtlessly bettering digestion.

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What should you take note whereas doing Gomukhasana?

Listed below are some important pointers to remember 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 regularly work in the direction of a deeper stretch.
3. Concentrate on holding the backbone straight and the chest lifted through the pose.
4. Don’t overstretch or maintain your breath. When you 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 certified yoga teacher or healthcare skilled, particularly when you have any pre-existing medical circumstances or issues.