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Yoga Poses: Fire Log Pose (Agnistambhasana)

Resources, Yoga

Yoga Poses: Fire Log Pose (Agnistambhasana)

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Agni means Fire and Stambh means Log, hence the Fire Log Pose is known as the Agnistambhasana. It is an intense hip opener and focuses mainly on the hips and its flexibility. This pose is good for people with a sedentary lifestyle like teachers, IT professionals, store managers etc., whose hips become tight due to being seated for a major part of the day.

Other names: Fire Log Square Pose, Kindling Pose, Burning Log Pose, Knee to Ankle Pose, Square Pose.

Contents

Health Benefits

The Fire Log pose stretches the thighs, legs, calves, hips and groins. This pose stimulates the abdominal organs and increases flexibility of the body.

This pose relieves stress and anxiety and calms down the mind.

Getting into Pose

What you need: Room with fresh air (if you’re doing it inside, otherwise do it in open area), and you.
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Initial Position: Staff Pose (Dandasana)
Drishti or Gaze: Forward
Steps

  • Sit in Staff Pose. Bend your knees and keep feet on the floor.
  • Put your left foot under your right leg, on the outer side of the right hip, touching your left knee to the ground. Stack your right leg over your left leg. The right ankle should be outside the left knee, i.e., the sole of the right foot should be parallel to the floor.
  • Keeping your torso straight and long, bend forward from your groins. Lay your hands in front of your shins on the floor.
  • Inhale on a count of 3 and move further forward to lengthen your torso. Exhale on a count of 3 and bend further.
  • Stay in this pose for a minute. Release and repeat with the other leg. Practice twice with both legs.

Other Variations

Twisted Fire Log Pose – Beginner level: This variation is a good stretch for the torso and spinal column. Perform the regular Fire Log Pose as stated above and instead of resting your hands on the floor, sit up straight look to the right and twist to right side. Put right hand behind your waist and touch the floor with the fingertips and with the left hand touch the big toe of the left foot. Stay in the pose for half a minute. Repeat with the other side.

Preparatory Poses

Beginner’s Tips

Beginners might find it difficult to stack the right foot over the left knee as stated above. In that case, they can simply cross their legs and sit in Sukhasana (Easy or Decent Pose).

Advanced Poses

Important Notes

Avoid this pose, if you are experiencing the following conditions:

  • Low back Injury
  • Knee Injury
  • Ankle Injury

Last Updated: Aug 15th, 2014
Next Scheduled Update: Oct 15th, 2014

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