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 asanas 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 asanas.
HOW TO PERFORM THIS ASANA:
The left side:
Start from your knees. Before sitting on your soles, spread them as much as possible, so that there is a distance of 5-6 cm. between your toes. Lower your pelvis in the space created in between your soles, lift your left arm above your head, elbow bent.
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Place the palm of the hand on the back, then bring the right arm on the back, and bend the forearm until the fingers grasp the fingers of the left hand.
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If you do not succeed in bringing the fingers together, hold a handkerchief of towel.
Push the chest in front as much as possible, spine straight and shoulders’ joints relaxed.
Make sure that the bent arm does not cause any inconvenience to the upright position of the head.
FOCUS:
Perceive fine vibrations in the area of the heart, the activation of the heart centre, Anahata chakra, in its receptive aspect.
The right side:
Start from your knees. Before sitting on your soles, spread them as much as possible, so that there is a distance of 5-6 cm. between your toes. Lower your pelvis in the space created in between your soles, lift your right arm above your head, elbow bent.
Place the palm of the hand on the back, then bring the left arm on the back, and bend the forearm until the fingers grasp the fingers of the right hand. If you do not succeed in bringing the fingers together, hold a handkerchief of towel.
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Push the chest in front as much as possible, spine straight and shoulders’ joints relaxed.
Make sure that the bent arm does not cause any inconvenience to the upright position of the head.
FOCUS:
Perceive fine vibrations in the area of the heart, the activation of the heart centre, Anahata chakra, in its emissive aspect.
Perceive also the activation of Ajna chakra, and the harmonious interaction between the heart and mental sphere.
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 beneficialial 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.