Gomukhasana

Gomukhasana

Gomukhasana (goh-moo-KHA-sah-nah[1]; Sanskrit: गोमुखासन; IAST: Gomukhāsana) or Cow Face Pose[2] is an asana.

Etymology

The name comes from the Sanskrit words Go (गो, Go) meaning "cow", Mukha (मुख, mukha) meaning "head" or "mouth",[3] and Asana (आसन, Āsana) meaning "posture" or "seat".[4]

The word Go also means "light", so gomukh may refer to the light in or of the head, or lightness of the head. The asana gets its name because the thighs and calves of the person performing it resemble a cow's face, wide at one end and tapering toward the other.

Anatomical Focus

This asana stretches several parts of the body simultaneously, including ankles, thighs, hips, chest, neck, arms and hands.

Gallery

See also

References

  1. Budilovsky, Joan; Adamson, Eve (2000). The complete idiot's guide to yoga (2 ed.). Penguin. p. 200. ISBN 978-0-02-863970-3. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
  2. "Yoga Journal - Cow Face Pose". Retrieved 2011-04-09.
  3. "Gomukhasana A - AshtangaYoga.info". Retrieved 2011-04-11.
  4. Sinha, S.C. (1 June 1996). Dictionary of Philosophy. Anmol Publications PVT. LTD. p. 18. ISBN 978-81-7041-293-9. Retrieved 9 April 2011.

Further reading