COWHERD POSE
Sanskrit Name – Gorakshasana
Sanskrit Name Meaning – Go - Cow, Raksha – Protector, Asana - Pose
Type of Asana – Seated Yoga Pose
Target Areas – Legs and core muscles
WHAT IS COWHERD POSE (GORAKSHASANA)?
Cowherd Pose (Gorakshasana) is a seated yoga pose that is said to awaken kundalini and slow down the aging process. It’s used in tantric practice and meditation.
DO NOT PRACTICE COWHERD POSE (GORAKSHASANA) IF:
You have a back, leg, hip or back injury
You’ve recently had surgery
BENEFITS OF COWHERD POSE (GORAKSHASANA)
Improves posture and balance
Stretches your hip flexors, opens your chest and shoulders
Increases concentration
HOW TO PRACTICE COWHERD POSE (GORAKSHASANA) IN 3 EASY STEPS
Start in Staff Pose (Dandasana), bend your knees and draw your feet into your body with your feet and heels together.
Raise your heels off the floor and balance on your tip toes. Keep your back straight and your chest open. Touch the palms of your hands together in Salutation Seal (Anjali Mudra).
Practice this asana for as long as you feel comfortable and then exit the pose.
COWHERD POSE (GORAKSHASANA) VARIATION – RAISE YOUR HANDS
Practice this asana with your arms stretched above your head and your palms touching in Prayer Position – Salutation Seal (Anjali Mudra) for an extra stretch.
PREPARATORY POSES
Bound Angle Pose - Baddha Konasana
Staff Pose – Dandasana
Easy Pose – Sukhasana
Accomplished Pose - Siddhasana
FOLLOW UP POSES
Downward Facing Dog – Ardho Mukha Svanasana
Standing Forward Bend - Uttanasana