Yoga For You
Ray Madigan and Shelley Choy
|
COURTESY MANOA YOGA CENTER
Office workers will benefit from Gomukhasana, which relieves tension in the upper body.
|
|
Gomukhasana
(Cow Face Pose) » Part 2 -- Top arm action: This pose involves the use of both arms. Gomukhasana helps to loosen tight shoulders and relieves tension in the upper body and neck. Next week, the final stage to this pose.
1. Stand evenly with the feet together (this is Tadasana).
2. Extend the left arm straight up and then bend the elbow, taking the hand between the shoulder blades with the palm facing your back. Keep the left arm rolled in so the upper arm stays close to the left ear. Do not let the elbow "wing" out.
3. Walk the hand down the back and stretch the left triceps so the elbow points toward the ceiling. Hold the left upper arm with the right hand and lift the arm up and back to help with this action.
4. Maintain this action for up to a minute and then do to the other side.
With regular practice, your range of movement will increase. Remember not to strain, and keep the muscles of the face relaxed.
Ray Madigan and
Shelley Choy are certified Iyengar Yoga teachers and co-direct the Manoa Yoga Center at Manoa Marketplace. Visit
www.manoayoga.com or call 382-3910. Manoa Yoga Center, the authors and the Star-Bulletin take no responsibility for any injury arising from the practice of these yoga postures. Readers should seek a doctor's approval before commencing this yoga practice.