The Sage Pose B (Marichyasana B)
The Story Behind the Name:
Marichyasana B – The Sage Pose B (mar-ee-chee-AHS-anna) is a sitting forward bend asana in Ashtanga Primary Series with the meaning in Sanskrit: the pose of the sage Marichi.
Marichi is the son of Brahma and chief of the Maruts, the war-like storm gods.
Marīcyāsana B builds on Marīcyāsana A.
The bents of the legs and the knees are the same while the other legs folds in the lotus position.
Marichyasana B pose takes Marichyasana A a step further.
Difficulty Level:
- Advanced
Drishti Point:
- Nose
Technical details and how to start:
- Start by sitting in Dandasana (Staff Pose) with your legs straight.
- Inhaling place your right leg in half lotus, turning the sole of your foot upward and if your hip allows, moving your heel toward your navel and over or under the left thigh.
- With your right leg in half lotus or under your thigh, bend your left knee sliding your left foot back toward your hip flat on the floor, allow your right hip to lift off the floor, come forward wrapping your left arm around your left knee and catching the fingers or wrist of your right hand behind your back.
- Drishti is toward the nose.
- Stay here for 5 deep breaths, releasing the posture with an inhale, and do the same on the other side.
Health Benefits:
- Stimulates abdominal organs like liver and kidneys.
- Strengthens and stretch the spine, shoulders, back, hamstrings and hips.
- Improves digestion.
- Calms the brain.
- Tones the belly.
- Improves body posture and the figure.
Beginner’s tips
- If you can’t get your foot into half lotus place the foot under the left thigh of the bent leg.
- If you cant connect the fingers behind your back use the rope or the towel.
Safety Precautions
- Avoid this pose if you have a knee or hip injury.
- Avoid this pose if you have a back injury, asthma or diarrhea.
- If you have any medical concerns, talk with your doctor before practicing yoga.
Please Note:
People who decide to start practising Yoga and who are suffering from any cardiac problem, asthma, back pain, high blood pressure, neck, shoulder or spine injury or any other health related issue, should consult a doctor before starting any yogic activities and eliminate the positions that are not suitable for their particular case. Also, some particular asanas such as inversion asanas are not recommended for female practitioners who are menstruating.
