Cow Face Pose – Gomukhasana

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Cow face pose also known as Gomukhasana, is a great heart opener. This yoga posture is especially beneficial during times of self-exploration. This posture stretches the hips, ankles, thighs, shoulders, armpits, triceps, and neck. If you have any previous neck or shoulder injuries please be mindful before performing this posture, use a strap to ease the tension in the neck and shoulders.

Here is a breakdown of Gomukhasana…

Start in a seated position with legs crossed. Center into your breath body.
Inhale as you begin to slide the left foot underneath the right knee then continue to slide the left foot back underneath the right hip.
Exhale as you bend the right leg overtop of the left and allow your right foot to rest alongside of your left hip. Both knees should be stacked overtop one another.
As the left arm is resting alongside, inhale as you lift the right arm into the air about shoulder height. Begin to bend the right arm, exhale as you reach the right hand behind the head.
Grab a strap with the left hand if necessary, inhale as you begin to bend the left arm behind the back as you reach for the right hand overtop. Exhale as you clasp the hands together behind the upper back or use the strap to connect both hands.
Feel both hands grasp one another, inhale as your chest begins to open wide. Exhale as you relax the shoulders down the spine.
Stay in this posture for a few breaths. Notice where you can open or extend the body a little further. Use micromovements and the breath body to guide the physical body.
When you are ready to come out of this posture, inhale as you gently release the bond between hands or strap. Exhale as you round the upper back and release both arms along side.
Slowly begin to unhook the right leg resting it straight out in front of you. Unhook the left leg from underneath allowing it to come straight in front with the right.
Take a moment to integrate this posture and how your body and mind feel after it.

I hope you enjoy cow face pose or Gomukhasana! This posture is a really fun one to perform and it looks super yogic. Don’t worry if you do not feel as flexible at first, as everything in life needs time and practice.

Namaste.

About the Author

Lauren is a Kripalu Yoga Teacher. She studied her 200 hour teacher training in the Berkshire Mountains of Stockbridge, MA at the Kripalu School of Yoga and Ayurvedic practices. She is also a health coach with a background in nutrition and biology at Ursuline College. She is a writer and an artist. Her dharma or goal in her life is to spread compassion and knowledge.

Cow Face Pose – Gomukhasana – How To

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