Marichasana B is a seated yoga posture found in the Ashtanga yoga tradition. The name Marichasana B comes from Marichi, the name of a Hindu sage and asana (posture).
Benefits of Marichasana B
The Marichasana B yoga posture offers a variety of benefits to practitioners.
- stretches and strengthens the spine
- releases the hips and groin
- stimulates and detoxifies the abdominal organs
- improves digestion and elimination
- strengthening the intercostal muscles by stretching them, allowing for more effective breathing.
- improves posture
- opens the shoulders
Contraindications for Marichasana B
The contraindications for Marichasana B are few but important. People with high blood pressure or heart problems should avoid Marichasana B. Also, avoid the posture if you have a knee or ankle injury.
How to modify Marichasana B
Start seated on the floor on a folded blanket.
Close your left knee joint and drop it out to the side.
Place your left foot under your right thigh.
Bend the right knee up toward the chest. Your right foot is in front of your left foot.
In this modified position, you can gently bend forward.
Move the right knee to the outside of the chest.
Draw your navel in and exhale and fold.
Wrap your shoulder around the right knee and your left arm around your back on the left side so you can bind your hands behind your back. If you can’t reach, use a strap to complete the bind.
Inhale prepare.
Exhale fold.
Stay for five breathes and then do the pose on the other side.
Full version of Marichasana B
Do not attempt this if you don’t have a good half lotus pose. Continue to do the modified version of the pose until you’re comfortable with your half lotus.
Start seated on the floor.
Close your left knee joint and drop it out to the side. Bring your foot up into the crease of your hip on your right side.
Bend the right knee up toward your chest.
Lean your body weight forward, picking your pelvis up off the ground.
Drop your chest forward and down to the inside of the right thigh.
Bring your right arm around the right leg and your left arm around on your left side to bind your hands behind your back.
Inhale prepare.
Exhale fold with your forearm touching the ground.
Stay for five breathes and then do the pose on the other side.
Marichasana B can be challenging, but with practice, it will become easier and more enjoyable over time. Watch this video with Kino for more detail about the pose.
