Gomukhasana (Cow's face pose)

In Sanskrit, 'go' means cow, and 'mukha' face. Consequently, GOMUKHA refers to something resembling the face of a cow. Moreover, in India there is a musical instrument named GOMUKHA, thin on one end and wide at the other like a cow's face. GOMUKHASANA may be thus translated as 'the pose of the cow's head'.

Benefits

• Gomukhasana is an excellent asana for inducing relaxation.
• If practised for 10 minutes or more it will alleviate tiredness, tension and anxiety.
• It stimulates the kidneys and alleviates mature onset diabetes.
• It relieves backache, sciatica, rheumatism and general stiffness in the shoulders and neck, and improves posture by opening the chest area.
• It alleviates cramps in the legs and makes the leg muscles supple.
  

Description of the asana

1. Sit in a posture with the right knee directly above the left knee.
      
2. Place the left arm behind the back and the right arm over the right shoulder.
       
3. The back of the left hand should lie in contact with the spine while the palm of the right hand rests against the spine.
        
4. Try to clasp the fingers of both hands behind the back. Bring the raised elbow behind the head so that the head presses against the inside of the raised arm.
        
5. The spine should be erect and the head back. Close the eyes.
       
6. Stay in this position for up to 2 minutes.
        
7. Unclasp the hands, straighten the legs and repeat with the left knee uppermost and the left arm over the left shoulder.

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