Gomukhasana, often known as Cow Face Pose, is a yoga pose that may assist you to infuse vitality and vibrancy. With a purpose to full the pose, you could fold your legs in a approach which can be stated to resemble a cow’s mouth, whereas the elbows kind the form of a cow’s ears! Fascinating, isn’t it?

Not solely does this pose look tremendous attention-grabbing, however the well being advantages, each psychological and bodily, are large. From higher kidney well being to stronger shoulders and higher torso, the Gomukhasana asana works wonders to your physique. Well being Pictures obtained in contact with Ashtanga, Yin and Face Yoga trainer Prerna Sinha to know methods to 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 known as Gomukhasana as a result of the arms within the closing 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 steadiness and the mixing of opposites. The crossed legs characterize 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 stated to be an asana to convey consciousness to the Ajna chakra or the third eye. “As soon as this pose is full, an vitality circuit is created in all the backbone. The prana (vitality) is trapped inside the physique with the legs and arms in an interlock, giving no area for the downward stream of vitality (Apana Vayu). The surplus vitality might be channeled effectively when one is snug holding the posture,” she says.

The best way 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 appropriate 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 preserve 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, preserve 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 whole physique—your shoulders and arms, your ankles, hips, thighs and again. “The pose encourages deep respiration, which may have a relaxing impact on the thoughts. Common observe of Gomukhasana is believed to stimulate the kidneys and stomach organs,” says Sinha. Listed here are the opposite advantages:

1. Shoulder and chest stretch

Gomukhasana opens and stretches the shoulders and chest, bettering flexibility and lowering stress.

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2. Hip opener

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

3. Improved posture

Common observe can contribute to higher posture by releasing stress within the higher again and shoulders.

4. Relieves aches

The Gomukhasana pose is nice for relieving aches and pains. It really works wonders to your again ache, sciatica, rheumatism and so forth. Alleviates cramps within the legs and makes the leg muscle tissues supple.

5. Stress discount

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

6. Stimulation of stomach organs

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

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What should you take note whereas doing Gomukhasana?

Listed here are some 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 step by step work in the direction of a deeper stretch.
3. Deal with protecting 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 all yoga observe, it’s advisable to seek the advice of with a professional yoga teacher or healthcare skilled, particularly you probably have any pre-existing medical circumstances or issues.