Asana #8: Gomukhasana (Cow’s face asana)

After the Tadasana (Mountain pose), Katichakrasana (Standing Spinal Twist), Trikonasana (Triangle pose), Ashvasthasana , Bhujangasana (Cobra pose), Shashankasana (Hare pose) and Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist), this is the eighth asana in our selected progression.

How it’s done

Sit with both legs stretched out in front of you. Bend the left leg from the knee and sit on the sole of the left foot. Now bend the right leg and place it over the left leg in such a manner that the right knee is directly above the left knee. Stretch the right arm over and behind the back and fold it in such a way that the inner arm touches the ear. Now take the left hand back and  grip the fingers of the right hand, locking both hands. Repeat it on the other side.

The video below provides a demonstration:

Interesting asana facts

• If practiced for 10 minutes or more, it alleviates tiredness, tension and anxiety
• Relieves backache, sciatica, rheumatism and general stiffness of the shoulders and neck
• Improves posture by increasing energy, awareness, and generally opening the chest area
• Alleviates cramps in the legs and makes the leg muscles supple
• Alleviates knee pain

Read also: Yoga Day Countdown Day #4: Ardha Matsyendrasana

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