The Health Benefits of Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Pose)
When translated from Sanskrit to English, Agnistambhasana breaks up into three words: “Angi” means fire, “stambha” means statue, and “asana” means pose. It may be a mouthful, but with descriptors like fire and statue, this translation alone should hint at the nature of this posture. Agnistambhasana, as with many asanas, is all about feeling the burn… in your hips in this case.
Remember, breathing techniques are utterly essential while doing Fire Log. Also, be sure to maximize your experience by keeping your thoughts open and encouraging. Steady breathing combined with an open mind can offer you an overwhelming sense of certainty and prowess when in correct position. If you would like to practice this pose with the guidance of a licensed yoga practitioner, check out our yoga class schedule for each branch of CNY Healing Arts.
Getting into Fire Log Pose:
Begin in a seated position with your legs straight out in front of you. Now, bend your knees and bring your legs in one at a time, stacking one on top of the other. Ideally, the hip, knee, and ankle of each leg should form a ninety-degree angle, opening towards you.
If this is too strenuous on your knees, hips, or back, you can still achieve an opening in your hips by widening the space between your legs and taking the foot of whichever leg is on top to the inside of the knee of the lower leg. For an even simpler version of Fire Log, simply bend at the knees and cross your ankles.
Inhale and lengthen your spine from the tailbone to the crown of your head. Exhale and bring your chest towards the floor. Lay your hands on the floor in front of your shins. Hold for at least one minute. Be sure to continue breathing deep and steady.
To come out of the pose, inhale your torso upright and uncross your legs. Repeat for the same length of time with opposite leg stacked on top. Please be aware that this posture may be dangerous if you have a lower back or knee injury.
Benefits of Fire Log Pose:
- Opens and stretches the hips
- Stretches the groins and buttocks gently
- Stimulates the abdominal organs
- Strengthens legs and calves
- Calms the mind
- Relieves anxiety, tension and stress