Here, we will be discussing the benefits of gomukhasana. This asana is named after the Sanskrit terms ‘Go,’ which means cow, ‘Mukha,’ which means face, and ‘Asana,’ which means position. If you didn’t know, the word ‘Go’ also implies light. As a result, ‘Gomukh’ can also mean ‘head lightness’ or ‘headlight.’ However, this asana gets its name because the body resembles a cow’s face when performed. The calves and thighs are positioned to be wide on one end and taper on the other. Scroll down to read more.
Everything You Need To Know About The Gomukhasana
What You Should Know Before You Do The Asana
It is best if the Gomukhasana is performed first thing in the morning. Its benefits are numerous. Your stomach and bowels must be empty when you practice this asana. Make sure you have your meals at least 10 to 12 hours before your practice.
Level: Basic Style: Hatha Duration: 30 to 60 Seconds Repetition: Once with your right leg over the left and then vice versa Stretches: Shoulders, Hip, Thighs, Thorax, Ankles, Triceps brachii muscle, Axilla Strengthens: Back, Chest
How To Do Gomukhasana
Precautions And Contraindications
There are some points of caution that you must keep in mind before you practice this asana.
Beginner’s Tips
Beginners usually find it difficult to get their sitting bones to rest evenly on the floor. This makes stacking the knees evenly over each other quite difficult. The spine cannot extend itself properly when the pelvis is tilted. So use a blanket or bolster to support and lift the sitting bones.
Advanced Pose Variations
To increase the stretch in this pose, you must have flexible shoulders. Just move your hands a little away from the back of the torso. From the full pose by leaning forward and laying your torso on the inner part of the thigh on top. Hold the pose for at least 20 seconds, and inhale as you come up.
Benefits Of The Cow Face Pose
These are some amazing benefits of Gomukhasana.
The Science Behind The Gomukhasana
This asana involves your shoulders and hips, both of which are common sites that house tension and chronic pain. This asana, quite prominently, enhances the range of motion in the shoulder joints. Even if you have tight shoulders, and you continue practicing this asana, in a span of a few months, your shoulders will loosen out. This asana is therapeutic and helps in pressure release. Gomukhasana, or the Cow Face Pose, relaxes the muscles and imparts a sense of calm. When you attempt to pull your hands in this pose, the tension in the muscle-tendon joints of your body gets escalated. In response to this tension, the spinal cord signals the muscles to relax. The ‘stretch’ this pose creates (like most other yoga poses) results in the release of endorphins that induce a feeling of relaxation within your body and mind (1). In a study conducted at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, it was found that Hatha yoga (of which Gomukhasana is a part) can enhance cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and muscular strength (2).
Preparatory Poses
Baddha Konasana Supta Virasana Supta Baddha KonasanaSupta PadangusthasanaUpavistha Konasana Virasana
Follow-Up Poses
Ardha MatsyendrasanaBharadvajasana Garudasana Marichyasana III PadmasanaPaschimottanasanaUpavistha Konasana This asana is extremely simple, yet extremely beneficial. Who could have imagined that a little stretching could go a long way in healing your body, mind, and soul? Who should not do gomukhasana? People with spondylitis, piles, and knee, muscle, and shoulder injuries should not do gomukhasana. Is gomukhasana a hip opener? Yes, gomukhasana is a hip opener. It stretches the piriformis, gluteal muscles, and the outer legs and opens the hips. Is gomukhasana a meditative asana? Gomukhasana is a seated asana in yoga and is also used for meditation.
