Marichyasana C: Marichi's Pose C
Marichyasana C, pronounced as mar-EECH-YAH-sah-nah C, is a deeply invigorating seated twist. Named after the sage Marichi, a son of Brahma in Hindu mythology, this pose embodies strength and introspection. It is a foundational posture within the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series, known for its profound effects on the spine and internal organs. The "C" variation specifically involves a binding of the arms around one bent leg, intensifying the twist and offering a unique challenge for practitioners.
If you're exploring various seated and twisting postures, Marichyasana C is an excellent addition to any yoga app's pose generator, providing an advanced option for those seeking deeper engagement.
How to Practice Marichyasana C (Marichi's Pose C)
Follow these steps to safely enter Marichyasana C:
- Begin by sitting on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you. This is Staff Pose (Dandasana).
- Bend your right knee, placing your right foot flat on the mat with the heel close to your right sitting bone. Keep your left leg extended and active, pressing through the heel.
- On an exhale, initiate a twist to your right, rotating from your torso.
- Wrap your left arm around the outside of your bent right leg. Aim to bring your left armpit as close to your right knee as possible.
- Reach your right arm behind your back.
- Attempt to bind your hands: reach your left hand back to grasp your right wrist, or hold onto your right hand if the full wrist bind is not accessible.
- As you hold the bind, lengthen your spine on the inhale and deepen the twist on the exhale.
- Turn your gaze (drishti) towards your left shoulder, enhancing the spinal rotation.
- To release, inhale and gently untwist, coming back to the center. Extend your right leg.
- Repeat the sequence on the opposite side, bending your left leg and twisting to the left.
Benefits of Marichyasana C
Marichyasana C offers a range of physical and energetic benefits:
- Spinal Flexibility: The deep twist significantly stretches the entire spine, improving its flexibility and range of motion, particularly in the thoracic region.
- Stimulates Abdominal Organs: The compression and release in the abdominal area stimulate the digestive organs (liver, kidneys, spleen), which can aid in digestion and elimination.
- Detoxification: Twisting poses are often associated with a "squeeze and soak" effect, enhancing circulation to the internal organs and supporting the body's natural detoxification processes.
- Stress Reduction: Like many seated postures and twists, Marichyasana C can help calm the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety. Consider adding this to a personalized yoga generator sequence for stress relief.
Cautions and Contraindications
While beneficial, Marichyasana C is an advanced posture and should be approached with care:
- Lumbar Spine Twisting: Avoid initiating the twist from the lower back. The rotation should primarily come from the thoracic spine (upper and mid-back). Protect your lumbar spine by grounding through your sitting bones and lengthening before twisting.
- Shoulder Injuries: Individuals with shoulder injuries, especially in the rotator cuff or deltoid, should exercise extreme caution due to the deep bind. You might modify the pose by not attempting the bind or by using a strap.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals should avoid deep twisting poses that compress the abdomen.
- Recent Abdominal Surgery: If you've had recent abdominal surgery, consult with a healthcare professional before attempting this pose.
- Spinal Conditions: Those with severe spinal conditions such as herniated discs or sciatica should avoid or modify this pose under the guidance of an experienced yoga instructor or medical professional. Seated Forward Bend Pose may be a gentler alternative for spinal lengthening.
Pose Details
| Sanskrit Name: | Marichyasana C |
| Pronunciation: | mar-EECH-YAH-sah-nah C |
| Pose Level: | Advanced |
| Drishti (Gaze): | Parshva (Side) |
| Pose Type: | Binds, Seated Poses, Twists |











