Yoga therapy · Asana
Gomukhasana — Cow-Face Pose
गोमुखासन
One arm reaches up and over the shoulder, the other up from behind the back, fingers clasping between the shoulder blades; legs fold one over the other.
वैद्य आदित्य घोसल्या · Reg. No. NR/AY/RJ/0007555 (NCISM)
How to practise
- 1.Lay mat on calm, clear space; practise under vaidya/instructor guidance.
- 2.Breathe slowly in Gomukhasana — no forcing or pain.
- 3.Listen to body sensation; pause or modify on discomfort.
- 4.Rest or Shavasana after practice — return spine to neutral length.
- 5.Regularity per vaidya plan — do not self-practice vigorously daily.
Potential benefits
- Considered supportive of easing tightness through the shoulders and hips.
- Considered supportive of shoulder and hip mobility — individual response varies.
- In selected cases within yoga therapy plans, considered supportive of breath–mind coordination.
Contraindications
- With a recent shoulder injury or inflammation, keep the arm position gentle — don't force the clasp.
- Pregnancy, recent surgery, acute BP — only after asking vaidya.
Precautions
- First time under instructor/vaidya supervision.
- Stop immediately on pain, dizziness or severe breathlessness.
Classical notes
Gomukha — cow-face — describes the leg position. Used in Hatha sequences for shoulder and hip opening. If fingers do not clasp, hold a strap between hands — Iyengar-style modification without forcing the shoulder.
Gomukhasana — overview
One arm reaches up and over the shoulder, the other up from behind the back, fingers clasping between the shoulder blades; legs fold one over the other. On Arogyasudha (/yoga) this asana is educational reference from Dr. Ghosalya's farm shoots — may join yoga therapy plans in selected cases for shoulder and hip mobility, after vaidya approval.
Classical context
Gomukha — cow-face — describes the leg position. Used in Hatha sequences for shoulder and hip opening.
Iyengar-style guidance
If fingers do not clasp, hold a strap between hands — Iyengar-style modification without forcing the shoulder.
Yoga therapy context — Jaipur
At Arogyasudha yoga therapy (/yoga) in Jaipur–Rampura, Gomukhasana may be part of a personal plan — vaidya selection for knee, back, stress or concentration contexts. After approval by Vaidya Aditya Ghosalya (MA Yoga, Reg NR/AY/RJ/0007555). No guarantee of cure.
Breath and mind
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras place asana as preparation for pranayama and dhyana — toward chitta-vritti-nirodha. In this pose, slow ujjayi or natural breath; no forceful kapalabhati without vaidya.
Frequently asked questions
Q1.What is Gomukhasana?
A. One arm reaches up and over the shoulder, the other up from behind the back, fingers clasping between the shoulder blades; legs fold one over the other.
Q2.Daily practice?
A. Per vaidya plan — not vigorous daily self-practice.
Q3.With knee/back pain?
A. Physician assessment required — supportive in some cases, avoided in others.
Q4.During pregnancy?
A. Often modification or avoidance — vaidya direction only.
Q5.Guaranteed results?
A. No — considered supportive; individual response varies.
Educational information — not self-practice or a cure claim. Vaidya/instructor guidance is essential.
Related articles / Knowledge hub
Read more — educational guides
Arogyasudha pillar guides and knowledge pages — condition-wise understanding with classical orientation.