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Gomukha-asana: Cow-face Posture
Steps:
- Sit in a crossed-leg position, right leg over left.
- Spread the legs as far apart as possible without
bending the knees.
- Bend the left knee and place the bottom of the
left foot against the inner left thigh. Bring the
left heel as close to the perineum as possible. Keep
the left knee on the floor.
- Grasp the right foot with the left hand and keeping
the foot on the floor place the heel of the right
foot against the front-left portion of the left buttock.
The right knee should be directly on top of the left
knee.
- Inhale slowly through the nostrils and raise the
right hand over the head and bend the right elbow.
Reach behind the back with the left hand and clasp
the fingers of both hands (forming an "s" shaped lock).
- Hold the posture as long as you can comfortably
hold the inhale breath.Exhale slowly and then repeat
the posture reversing the arms and legs.
Instead of holding the posture while the breath is
held, you can try holding the posture while breathing
gently through the nostrils. If you choose to breath
then hold the posture for thirty seconds to a minute.
Repeat the gomukha-asana two to three times on each
side.
If you are unable to lock the fingers behind the back
you may grasp one end of a small piece of cloth in the
right hand and the other end of the cloth in the left
hand.
This posture stretches the arms, upper back, chest
and the sides of the chest and abdomen. As the shoulder
blades are stretched backward the lungs are expanded
and as the abdominal muscles are lifted the stomach
is toned. It helps to relieve neck strain, backache
and tight shoulders. The hands, fingers and wrists are
strengthened.
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