Gomukha Asana: Cow’s face posture

Yogatma Srihari

Gomukha asana or cow’s face pose is a powerful, de-aging formula. The person doing this feels and looks younger. It mproves the over all structure of the body. And it also improves one’s mental stature and the confidence.

To perform this asana, one must sit in a comfortable neat and clean place, preferably facing the sun, in open air, exposed to nature. It can also be done indoor in emergency situations. First fold the right leg, then fold the left leg and place it above the right leg. Let both the knees be one above the other. Lift your left hand up and place your right hand behind down and bend behind, upwards. Let both these hands hold each other from behind, with both palms touching. Never mind if you are not able to hold both hands from behind. With practice, over a period of time gradually both hands join each other.

Then close your eyes and take deep normal breath for ten times. After that exchange legs and hands by repeating same process, and breathe ten more times.

It is a beautiful relaxing Asana. It is a daily routine. This can be done by anybody without any age or gender restriction. It can be done by women even during their monthly menstrual cycle. If found inconvenient, the hand portion can be left out and leg portion can be performed. And in this pose, one can sit for a long time and can meditate and think. It is a beautiful posture for doing pranayama too. This pose can also be adopted at home for sitting and discussing for a long period, without chairs and sofas. This is the most beneficial asana with least effort.

(The writer is the founder and managing trustee of GSS Yogic Research Foundation, President, Yoga Federation of Mysuru. He is an entrepreneur, yoga guru, and motivational speaker.)