Gomukhasana: Meaning, Steps, Benefits and Contradictions

 The name Gomukhasana is derived from Sanskrit, where "Go" means "Cow" and "Mukha" means "Face." The final position of the gomukhasana or cow face yoga pose resembles the face of a cow and hence the name.

The calves and thighs are positioned in such a way that they appear wide from one end and taper from the other like a cow's face.

Gomukhasana Benefits

1. Gomukhasana makes the spine flexible.
2. Gomukhasana or cow yoga pose is very beneficial in alleviating problems related to sciatica , back problems and rheumatism.
3. This yoga pose relaxes the entire body. If practiced for 7-8 minutes every day, it helps to get rid of tension, anxiety and tiredness.
4. The Gomukhasana or Cow Face yoga pose is also beneficial in relieving stiffness in the shoulders and neck and making them flexible.
5. Diabetes can also be controlled through regular practice of the Gomukhasana or Cow Front Yoga Pose.
6. This yoga pose stretches the chest, hips, ankles, thighs, shoulders, delts, and triceps.

Steps to do Gomukhasana or Yoga with Cow Face Pose

The starting pose for Gomukhasana is Dhyana Veerasana. One must first enter Dhyana Veerasana to do gomukhasana or cow face yoga pose.

Dhyana Veerasana

1. Sit with both legs stretched out in front of the body.
2. Bend the left leg so that the heel of the left foot touches the right buttock
3. The left leg will go under the right leg.
4. Now bend your right leg over your left leg so that your right knee comes directly over your left knee.
5. In this position, the heel of the right foot will be a short distance from the right foot. left glute.
6. Keep your hand on each foot or on the right knee or one on top of the other or in a comfortable position.
7. Keep your head, neck, and spine straight.
8. Relax your whole body and close your eyes.
9. Take long, deep breaths.

Steps to Do Gomukhasana or Cow Face Yoga Pose

1. To practice Gomukhasana, sit in Dhyan Veerasana so that your right knee comes directly over your left knee
2. Place your left arm behind your back so that the back of your hand rests on your spine.
3. Bring your right arm bove the right shoulder
4. Bring the fingers of both hands together.
5. Clasp your hands together behind your head so that the back of your head presses against the inside of your right arm.
6. Close your eyes and breathe deeply.
7. Keep your head and spine straight.
8. Stay in this position for 2-3 minutes.
9. Take off your hands.
10. Practice the same asana with the left leg over the right leg and the left arm over the left shoulder.

Gomukhasana Contradictions

1. People with knee, shoulder or neck injuries should not practice Gomukhasana.
2. Do not go beyond your abilities to practice the asana as it could cause excessive stretching of the muscles.

Tips for performing a Gomukhasana or Cow Face Yoga Pose:

1. If you are obese and have trouble keeping your legs together or putting your fingers together behind your back, start slowly Don't overstretch but try to keep your legs on top of each other as much as possible and put your hands behind your back as much as possible. Over time, patience and practice you can develop the flexibility to practice Gomukhasana with ease.
2. If your shoulders are tight and you can't lock your fingers behind your back, use a strap between your hands. Start by placing the strap on the lower arm and put the other arm over the shoulder and grasp the free end of the strap with the other hand on the shoulder.