Information on Yoga Asana Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Yoga Pose) Meaning & Uses

The Agnistambhasana is one of the most important poses of yoga which has numerous benefits. It is a Sanskrit word which when broken down forms an assimilation of three words - 'Agni' meaning fire, 'stambha' meaning statue and 'Asana' meaning pose. Thus words like fire and statue are enough to denote the intensity and nature of this asana. Like many other asanas this is also about feeling the burn, especially in your hips. While performing this asana one should be careful about the breathing techniques as it is extremely vital to this pose. Along with this one should also keep their thoughts open and encouraging. There is nothing as beneficial as a positive mind. When this asana is performed in correct position with steady breathing and open mind it can have numerous positive effects on the entire mind and body. It will load you with an overwhelming sense of certainty and prowess when it is performed in the correct position. In English this pose is also called as Fire Log pose or burning log pose or the double pigeon pose. It mainly focuses on the person's posture and breathing techniques to release all the stress accumulated in the body and provides it with a fresh lease of energy. It also requires that the performer pays special attention to some of the most intricate details to derive maximum benefit from this pose, especially breathing as steady breathing combined with an open and relaxed mind will bring many positive effects and maximize the output. It can be quite challenging for the beginners so they need to ensure that their body has acquired maximum flexibility by practicing other basic poses before they try doing this.

This pose derives its name either from the 'stacking' of the shins as logs for a fire or from the intense sensation it produces for most in and around the hips. It is considered to be one of the most deep and effective hip opener that one needs to approach it with caution. This asana should not be confused with Padmasana or its variations. If during the course of this asana one experiences discomfort in one or both of the knees, they should not practice this pose.

Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Pose) Steps / Instructions / Procedure

The following steps should be followed to perform this asana -

1. First step is to sit on the edge of a thickly folded blanket with knees bent and feet on the floor. Then shrug the shoulders up and strongly roll the heads of your upper arm bones back and press the bottom tips of the shoulder blades into the back.

2. Then slide your left foot under the right leg to the outside of the right hip and lay the outer leg on the floor. Then stack the right leg on top of the left. Ensure that the right ankle is outside the left knee so that the sole is perpendicular to the floor.

3. For those whose hips are more flexible, they can slide their left shin forward directly below the right to increase the challenge, otherwise they can also keep the left heel beside the right hip. Those who have a tight hip and find it difficult to bring the ankle to the outer knee, they can simply sit with their shins crossed in Sukhasana.

4. After that press through the heels and spread the toes. Keep your front torso long and then exhale and fold forward from your groins. Do not round forward from the belly and ensure that the space between your pubis and naval are long. After this the next step is to lay your hands on the floor in front of the shins.

5. When you inhale you will notice that the torso will rise slightly. When it so does lengthen from your pubis to your sternum and then when you exhale next time, fold deeper.

6. Hold the pose for 1 minute or more. And then inhale the torso upright and uncross your legs to come out of the pose. You can repeat the same length of time with the left leg on top.

Some of the other important features of this asana are as follows-

Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Pose) Anatomical Focus

Hips

Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Pose) Therapeutic Applications

It helps to ease the stress level for the individual and helps them to energize their body and soul. Stress is one of the most common side effects of our modern lifestyle and it can cause a lot of strain in our body. This pose helps a lot to release all those unnecessary stress and tension from our body thus enabling it to make full use of resources around.

Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Pose) Medical Health Benefits

Stretches the hips and groins, opens and stretches the hips, stretches the groins and buttocks gently and also stimulates the abdominal organs, strengthens the legs and calves and calms the mind, relieves the anxiety, tension and stress. It stimulates the abdominal organs and also increases flexibility.

Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Pose) Contraindications and cautions

Low back injury and Knee injury

Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Pose) Beginner's Tip

To help release the hip, you can grip your thigh at the hip crease and forcefully rotate it outward or laterally before leaning forward. Also ensure that you learn it from a licensed yoga practitioner to ensure that you learn the correct poses and breathing techniques.

Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Pose) Preparatory poses

Baddha Konasana and Supta Baddha Konasana

Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Pose) Follow up poses

Paschim ottanasana and Dharadvajasana I

Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Pose) Precautions

Do not over stretch your body beyond its flexibility as it might damage your muscle and ligament. Start with the basic yoga poses and then try this pose as it is quite a complicated one. Basic poses will build up the elasticity within the body and makes it possible for the body to perform other poses properly. Ensure you learn this pose properly or else if not done in the right way it can case lower back injury as well as knee injury. Take maximum precautions to avoid any unnecessary injury and damage.

Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Pose) Risks

It might cause knee injuries, ankle injuries, tight hips or groins if not done properly under the care and guidance of experts. Do ignore anything that makes you uncomfortable but if you find it good and easy, do it on a daily basis for more benefit and for good and healthy body.