Yoga - part XVIII:

Gomukhasana

The Gomukhasana arises as the person who practises this seat represents the upper torso of a bull who is regarded as a holy animal by the Indians.

Bend your right leg inward under the thigh of your left leg as shown in picture 1.

Lift your left leg above your right knee.

Place the left sole on the ground. Raise your left arm.

Place it across your back to take your right hand.

Place it down your right shoulder, touch your left fingers and look to your front. In this posture, breathe for about 20 seconds.

Raise your right arm and repeat the steps changing legs and arms.

This seat should be assumed once for the left side and once for the right side.

While you assume this seat, which position your back should be in, can be seen from picture 2.

Benefits of the asana

Upper arms become active.

Relieves aches and pains from shoulders and back.

Strengthens muscles of upper arms.

Lungs, kidneys and bladder become healthily active. Relieves constipation and leads to fine digestion of food.

Pregnant women, women in menstruation and those who have had back surgery should not practice this asana.

Model: Rashmi Wijesinghe

Instructor: Roland Withanage

(Dip. In Yoga - India)