Gomukh Asana

Gomukh means a cow. Mukha means face. When this asana is performed, the performer’s posture resembles a cow- head. So it is called Gomukhasana. This is one of the eighty four asanas.

Technique

Place the left heel on the left side of the anus. Bend the right leg in such a way that the right knee rests or the left knee and the sole of the right foot touches the lower par of the left thigh. Practice will enable you to bring the right hee to the left thigh. Take the left arm to the back, bend it at th elbow and bring it upward. Now, raise the right arm, bend i at the elbow and take it to the back. Raise the first and the secon fingers of the left hand. Lower the first and the second finger:of the right hand. If the fingers slip away, try again for two ii flutes to bring them to the position. Breathe slowly. Keep the itink and the head in a straight line. Change the hands in turn. A fat man will find it difficult to perform this asana. But constant ‘v will enable him to practise the asana comfortably. Later, gradually increase lie frequency and practise it six times. Gradually increase the duration till the limit of fifteen minutes is reached.

Advantages

1. As this asana involves all the three Rindhas (Jalandhara Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha and Moola Riudha) strongly, Sushumna Nadi naturally gets an abundant low of oxygen with the result that there is control over the sense rgans.
2. Tumour in the axilla (armpit) is dissolved by this asana.
3. This asana is in the category of Padmasana and iddhasana and, therefore, the advantages which can be obtained rom Padmasana and Siddhasana can be obtained from this asana i Iso.
4. This asana cures rheumatic arthritis of the lower legs dud fissure.
5. This asana cures constipation, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, Ivickache and arm-sprain.
6. This asana helps in observing celibacy and keeping sound health.
7. Moola Bandha stops automatically in this asana and so U is very helpful for practising Pranayama.
8. This asana is useful for long-time meditation.
9. Joints become flexible and the bones become strong.
10. This asana strengthens the chest, the lungs and the heart.

Kandapeedan Asana

This asana is difficult to perform. This asana presses the Kanda (the place near the navel). So it is called Kandapeedanasana.

Technique

Sit on the floor. Bend the legs at the knees. I the feet towards the trunk until the heels are close to the perineum and keep the knees on the floor. Join the palms in front I the chest. Keep the trunk erect. Keep the nose, the palms and the feet in a vertical line. Breathe in the normal way. This asana should be practiced with caution. Persons whose thighs and calves ite heavy will find it difficult to practise this asana. Those having i slim body can perform this asana comfortably.

Advantages

1. This asana cures all kinds of ailments and disorders of the knees. It also cures arthritis.
2. It strengthens the calves, aft veins.
3. It stimulates Kundalini Shakti.
4. This asana is the same as Padmasana or Siddhasana, so t has all the benefits of Padmasana and Siddhasana.

Janu Shirasana

Certain characteristics of this asana are typically the same as those of Pashchimottanasana. In this variation of Pashchimo ttanasana, one leg is extended.

Technique

Sit on the ground. Place the left heel pressing hard near the left groin. Keep the right leg stretched and straight. Hold the right foot with the hands. Exhale and draw the stomach in. Lower the head slowly as shown in the figure. Place the forehead and the chin on the knee. Remain in this position for five to ten seconds. Increase the time gradually. This asana can be practised with the left leg stretched. With constant practice this asana can be performed for half an hour. Repeat this asana five to six times every day. This asana should be performed after the bowels are emptied. One who practises this asana can practise Pashchimottanasana comfortably.

Advantages

1. This asana kindles gastric fire and helps digestion.
2. This asana helps in observing celibacy.
3. This asana cures kidney-troubles.
4. It cures colic pain.
5. It awakens the Kundalini which keeps the body free from sluggishness and weakness.
6. This asana has the same advantages as Pashehirnotta

Basti Yoga for Washing Intestine

Basti is the technique of yoga used for washing of the intestines with water. To practice ‘basti’ successfully it is essential to get mastery over ‘nauli’ first. Stand in a river or pond keeping water level up to the navel (or sit in the ‘Utkatasana’ position). Then practice madhyama nauli and the water will immediately rise into the large intestine. When you are unable to hold back breathing (when nauli is to be released), close the anus with the finger so that the water may not come out. Again practice nauli and take finger away from the anus.

The water will rise again into the Intestine. If this ‘kriya’ is practiced five to seven times a good quantity of water will rise into the intestine. If possible, practice ‘naulichalan’ and hold back the water for some time. Then come out of the water and go to stools at some proper place.

Note

1. It is necessary to practice this ‘Kriya’ under the guidance of an expert.
   
2. Basti should be practiced on an empty stomach early in the morning.
   
3. Those who are unable to practice nauli can get the benefits of ‘basti’ through enema.
   

Repetition: Once or twice a week.

Benefits

1. Basti washes away the stool accumulated in he intestine. Thus ‘basti’ is a sure remedy for constipation.
   
2. Basti activates the intestines.