Agnisthambasana (fire log pose)
Sometimes life can seem as if it aims to put out the tiniest spark we still have left inside of us, but with concentration and the freedom which accompanies spiritual evolution that tiny spark can smolder into an intensely burning blaze. Agnistambhasana (fire log pose) is a yoga asana named primarily after fire, and with its practice we can come to know the light of an egoless mind. ‘Agnisthambhasana’, (pronounced ug-knee s-thumB-A suh-nuh) is derived from the Sanskrit words agni (meaning ‘fire’), sthamba (meaning ‘pillar’), and asana (meaning ‘pose’). It is a beginner level posture which guarantees a sense of calmness along with several other benefits.
Steps to Perform Agnisthambasana (fire log pose):
- Sit in an Easy Cross-legged Pose, with your back and torso upright.
- Bring your right ankle over your left knee.
- Make sure that your right foot is in contact with the outside of your left knee.
- Slip your left ankle under your right knee, so that your shins are one on top of the other.
- Flex both of your feet.
- Inhale and straighten your spine by bringing your torso up so that you are sitting straight on the sit bones.
- Upon exhaling, relax and bring the hips down.
- Maintain this posture for at least 1 minute.
- Inhale, keep your back straight and uncross your legs to come out of the pose.
- Repeat for the same amount of time with the left leg.
Health Benefits of Agnisthambasana (fire log pose):
- It avails a deep opening in the outer hips
- Strengthening of the legs and hips is guaranteed
- It massages and vivifies the abdominal organs including the large intestine, kidneys, pancreas and liver
- It gently stretches the buttocks and groin
- It provides relief from lower back pain
- It curtails anxiety and tension and calms your mind.
- Encourages introspection once you are able to fold forward over the knees
- It opens up the second Chakra, Swadhistana, which is associated to your sexual and creative energy, and its proper expression.
- It controls the health of the hips, sacrum, lower back, and kidneys.
- Consistent practice of this asana will allow much more advanced hip openers to be more obtainable in your future practice.
