SivaSakti.COM - Gomukhasana

G O M U K H A S A N A

ETYMOLOGY: 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'.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:
The importance of this asana derives also from the place it occupies in the secret yogic treaties. In the description of the 32 asana-s in GHERANDHA SAMHITA, GOMUKHASANA is placed on the eighth place. Moreover, in HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA Gomukhasana occupies the third place in the presentation of the most important 11 asana-s.

EXECUTION AND SUBTLE ENERGY EFFECTS:
In order to practice hatha yoga you need to have experienced supervision; also, being part of a yoga practice group helps. Some asanas have medical counter indications - we urge you not to consider this site a guide to the practice of hatah yoga. We chose not to publish this information on the SivaSakti.COM website; you can find it in the yoga classes organized by our school.

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS:

This asana is quite useful for people who spend much time standing. It cures the rheumatic pain of the knees and arthritis. This is also recommended in cases of flat foot.
The abdominal area will benefit because of an overflow of blood.
This asana brings balance to the static of the spine. The back becomes straight, the chest wide, and the joints of the shoulders regain their elasticity.
This asana has a beneficial effect on sick lungs. The asthmatic, allergic or people suffering of tuberculosis should regularly practice this pose, because it increases the blood-flow in the lungs (the respiratory movement of the lung corresponding to the lifted hand is almost stopped, while the other lung works more rapidly and vigorously), as well as an overall purification of the body.