In Hindu Vedic rituals, Fire (Agni) and its logs (stambha) used to create a place for prayers & offerings that connect Vedic people with a higher power. Fire log yoga pose has the same spiritual essence other than its therapeutic applications in sciatic pain.
Fire log pose aka Agnistambhasana is an advanced level of yogic posture. It is performed in a sitting position and forms a major part of the hip-opening series.
The pose is about stacking the alternative heel-over-the knee and knee-over-the-heel. This is followed by leaning forward from the groins maintaining the integrity of the entire spine.
Agnistambhasana Meaning
“Agnistambhasana” is the name derived from Sanskrit for this pose. Here, ‘agni’ refers to ‘fire’, ‘stambha’ means ‘pillars’ or ‘log.’ In English, it is referred to as fire log pose or burning log pose.
In the final position of Agnistambhasana, stacking the legs resembles a couple of fire logs stacked one top of the other. The seeker also feels a burning sensation on the hips and pelvis while performing the pose, hence the name.
The position of both the legs stacking the ankles to an alternative knee in this pose is similar to the leg position in pigeon pose. Hence, it is also named as double pigeon pose, ankle to knee pose.
Fire Log Pose Symbolic Interpretation
The pose is named after the fire, the purest or the purifying element. Like the fire is used to purify gold, similarly, agnistambhasana is used to cleanse the body by releasing the tensions trapped in joints.
Fire Log Pose Practice Guide
Precautions & Contraindications
- Take sufficient time to warm-up the body especially the hips, psoas, and groin region before practicing fire log pose.
- Avoid rounding of the back while folding forward and bend from the groins.
- Do not try to push your knees to the floor or to bend forward beyond your limits.
- Do not perform agnistambhasana if there is an injury in the lower back, hips, or ankles.
- It is recommended to people who have a knee injury or arthritis.
Preparatory Poses
- Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana)
- Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)
- Supine figure four
- Easy pose (Sukhasana)
How to Do Fire Log Pose (Steps)
- Sit with stretched legs in front of you in dandasana.
- Slightly lift your left knee off the floor dragging the left heel towards you.
- Flex your right leg at the knee and place the right foot under the left knee.
- Keep the edge of the right foot parallel to the edge of the mat.
- Now, place your left heel above the right knee.
- Sit tall maintaining an erect back.
- Bring your hands in front of your legs.
- Keep breathing and start walking your fingertips forward as far as possible comfortably.
- As you walk your hands forward ensure that you are folding forward from your groins and not from the abdomen.
- Hold this position for 30-60 seconds.
- Inhale bringing hands slowly towards you and come back to the center.
- Now, switch your leg position and repeat the above-mentioned steps.
- Then, release your legs and relax in dandasana.
Beginner’s tips
- If stacking one leg over the other seems difficult, you can simply attain agnistambhasana sitting in sukhasana.
- Rotating the thigh outwards at the hip joints before leaning forward helps to release the hips.
Follow-up poses
- Seated forward fold (Paschimottanasana)
- Bharadvaja’s Twist (Bharadvajasana)
Modifications
- Folded blanket – Practice agnistambasana sitting on a block if your pelvis is tilting back. This elevates the pelvis region and avoids slouching of the back.
- Blocks – Place yoga blocks between the bottom leg’s ankle and top leg’s knee. This will not exert pressure on the hips and still opens them. You can also place another block in front of your bottom shin so that the top ankle rests on it. This prevents the hurting of the ankles and stacks the shins.
Variations
- Agnistambhasana Variation 1– From dandasana bend one leg at the knee and place the respective foot on the alternate thigh. Place the hands by your side on the floor. Take 2 breaths and switch the legs to repeat the pose.
- Agnistambhasana Leaning Forward– After attaining agnistambhasana lean further by bringing your elbows to the floor. Spread your palms and bring your head to the floor.
- Agnistambhasana Variation Forward Bend– From agnistambhasana bring your elbows to the floor. Now join your palms with fingers pointing forward and set your gaze to the floor.
- Agnistambhasana Twist – Taking the left leg as the lower leg in agnistambhasana, bring your right arm behind your tailbone. Simultaneously, place your left hand beside your left foot twisting your torso.
Benefits
1. Enhances flexibility
Sitting in this pose pressurizes the hips, knees, ad thigh muscles. It expands these muscles and helps increase their elasticity. Increased flexibility prevents further muscle injury.
This also enhances the blood flow and nutrition intake in the involved muscles. This in turn makes the groin, gluteus, and other muscles stronger.
2. Reduces fat
The lower body is actively engaged in this asana. The pressure felt on the lower body provides toned muscles by burning excess body fat.
3. Improves digestion
The abdominal organs also experience pressure while holding the pose. It leads to the production of the stress hormone that stimulates the efficiency of the digestive system.
It has therapeutic actions on digestive disorders by improving the bowel movements.
4. Enhances sexual health
The leaning forward involved in agnistambhasana engages the pelvic zone. It stretches the groin and reproductive organs. This increases the blood flow to these organs stimulating the sexual performance.
5. Heals lower back pain
The back is kept erect throughout the practice. This pressurizes and stretches the entire spine, making it flexible. It eventually helps to relieve the lower back pain.
6. Benefit the nervous system
While performing agnistambhasana, the spine is kept straight lengthening from the crown of the head. This is practiced along with rhythmic breathing. This enhances the oxygen and blood flow to the brain calming the nervous system.
This calming effect improves the concentration power. It is also helpful in getting rid of stress, anxiety, and other mental disorders.
7. Stimulates the sacral chakra
Agnistambhasana stimulates the pelvic zone and the pranic movement involved opens the sacral chakra. It inculcates the creativity, lifts the emotional state, and enhances intellect.
