About this Asana Digest

Pose

Gomukhasana (Cow Face)

Objective

Become knowledgeable about the pose and review detailed teaching considerations.

Description

Explain the Sanskrit naming; contraindications and cautions; associated benefits and typical effects; instructions and cues for setting up and practicing the pose; variations to meet particular intentions and needs; and more teaching considerations.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Asana Digests focus in on teaching specific poses. Please be aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Forward Bend & Hip Stretching.

Gomukhasana

go-moo-KAHS-anna
“go” = cow
“mukha” = face
Cow Face Pose

Gomukha means one whose face resembles a cow. It also means a kind of a musical instrument narrow at one end and broad at the other like the face of a cow. – B.K.S. Iyengar

Gomukha is the name of the source of the river Ganges, a sacred place of pilgrimage. (Joseph LePage)

Heart of the Pose

Hip & Shoulder Stretch

Note

This pose is good preparation for other poses. Top arm prepares for Handstand, Forearm Balance and Headstand. Bottom arm prepares for twists and Shoulderstand. (Rodney Yee)

Navigating to What You Need

Asana Digests are precisely organized so that you can quickly pinpoint what you need in the moment.

Please navigate using the quick menu above.

More Tools & Support

• Asana Categories
• General Alignment Principles
• Alignment Cueing