Yoga For You
Ray Madigan and Shelley Choy
|
COURTESY MANOA YOGA CENTER
If you can't clasp your hands as shown for the final stage of Gomukhasana, hold a belt or rope to make the connection.
|
|
Gomukhasana
(Cow Face Pose) » Part 3 -- Arms, final stage: This pose helps to loosen tight shoulders and relieves tension in the upper body and neck.
1. Extend the right arm up and then bend the elbow. Place hand between the shoulder blades, fingers pointing down and palm facing the back. Roll the right upper shoulder in toward the head so that the upper arm stays close to the right ear. Do not let the elbow "wing" out.
2. Take the left arm behind the back and "walk" the hand up the back, toward the right hand. The left palm should face away from the back. If it is not possible to take the left hand to the upper back, rest it on the buttocks.
3. Slide the hands toward each other and clasp them together. If you cannot clasp your hands, hold a belt or rope to make the connection.
4. Breathe through the nose to lift and expand the chest.
5. Repeat on the other side. Do each side twice and practice regularly.
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.