Gorakshasana - the cowherd pose Gorakshasana literally means cowherd pose and is known in Hatha Yoga as the Cowherd Pose. The asana was named after the yogi Goraksha, a great master of Hatha Yoga, and is also an alternative name for Bhadrasana in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, where it is described in the first chapter. In the Gheranda Samhita, the Cowherd Pose is described in Chapter 2. Gorakshasana is generally considered one of the asanas that bring great success to yogis. The yoga exercise is not very difficult and is suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners.
How exactly is the yoga exercise performed?
Wear appropriate clothing, warm up for a few minutes, and use a yoga mat. First, sit on your mat in Dandasana (Stick Pose) with your legs slightly bent. During Gorakshasana, don't tense your toes, neck, or hands. Don't let your gaze become fixed, even if your whole body is tense. Next, bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together. Pull your feet a little closer to your perineum and then sit down on your feet. Your knees should be wide open. Place your hands on your feet and breathe in and out calmly. Hold Gorakshasana for a while and then return to the starting position. You can repeat this yoga pose one or two more times, then take a longer break.
The execution of Gorakshasana according to Gheranda Samhita
This yoga pose is very similar to Padmasana (Lotus Pose) and is also performed while sitting on a suitable support. Unlike in Lotus Pose, however, your feet are slightly wider apart in this pose, making it a less challenging position than Padmasana. In Dandasana, place your upwardly turned feet between your calves and thighs. Next, cover your heels with your hands, which are cupped together and open upwards. Perform Jalandhara Bandha and look at the tip of your nose. Then return to the starting position of Gorakshasana and repeat the pose one or two more times.
What are the positive effects of Gorakshasana?
The well-known yoga pose has a positive effect on your body and also on your mind when you
Perform Gorakshasana regularly. This pose is ideal if you want to train your body to sit up straight. This yoga pose is generally very beneficial for your posture and your back. Your legs and ankles can also benefit from the pressure created in this yoga pose. Additionally, your feet simultaneously stimulate your second chakra . This stimulation can increase the sexual energy in your body. The pressure from below and the steady stretching of your back can also calm your digestion. For this reason, Gorakshasana is ideal if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. Thanks to these many benefits and positive effects, Gorakshasana is a very popular yoga pose.
Things to note, tips and tricks
When performing this popular yoga pose, it's important to ensure you're sitting perfectly upright. Avoid arching your back; keep your spine completely straight and your shoulders relaxed. You can also combine Gorakshasana with different pranayama techniques to achieve different results. Try different breathing techniques with this pose, and you'll see for yourself how the effects change. Do not perform this yoga pose if you have any health problems with the joints in your legs or feet.
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