Hip Opener Asana · Elementary (Level 2) · Catalog #800362

Reclined Cow Face Supta Gomukhasana

Cow face legs taken lying down. Removes the spinal load while keeping the hip opening.

Practice Reclined Cow Face (Supta Gomukhasana) with Illustrated Cues & Breath Timer Open this posture in Ayurveda & Asana Yoga on iPhone & iPad to build custom dosha sequences and track MET energy burn.
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Reclined Cow Face (Supta Gomukhasana) — Hip Opener Yoga Posture Illustration

Reclined Cow Face (Supta Gomukhasana) — Hip Opener posture targeting Glutes, Hip Flexors · Slow and even breath · Eyes closed drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Supta Gomukhasana
Posture Family
Hip Opener
Difficulty
Elementary (Level 2)
Recommended Hold
90 seconds
Breath Pattern
Slow and even
Drishti (Gaze)
Eyes closed
Target Muscles
Glutes, Hip Flexors
Energy Expenditure
1.8 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Reclined Cow Face

Reclined Cow Face (Supta Gomukhasana) belongs to the Hip Opener posture family and engages the Glutes, Hip Flexors at an intensity of approximately 1.8 METs. Cow face legs taken lying down. Removes the spinal load while keeping the hip opening.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Slow and even throughout the 90-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Eyes closed to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Glutes, Hip Flexors.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 8 years (96 months).

Ayurvedic Dosha Profile (Vāta, Pitta & Kapha)

In Ayurvedic asana sequencing (Dosha Provenance: modern-synthesis), every posture shifts Vata, Pitta, and Kapha according to its mechanical compression, heat generation, and grounding stability:

  • Vāta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 90 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Knee injury

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