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Agnistambhasana (Tree Log Pose or Fire Log Pose)

Updated: Apr 10, 2023

Agnistambhasana, also known as Fire Log Pose, has its roots in Hatha yoga. The word "agni" means "fire" and "stambha" means "pillar" or "log" in Sanskrit. This pose is said to activate the lower body and stimulate the digestive fire or agni, which aids in digestion. Agnistambhasana is a yoga asana that is practiced in various styles of yoga, including Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga, and Ashtanga yoga. It is a seated pose that involves stretching the hips and legs, and is commonly referred to as Fire Log Pose or Double Pigeon Pose in English.


How to perform Agnistambhasana (Tree Log Pose or Fire Log Pose)?


  1. Start with sitting in a crossed legged position and ground yourself for a minute. Sit and breathe for at least 20 breaths.

  2. Next, flex your feet and place your legs in a 90° angle and with your ankles over your knees.

  3. Stay and breathe before changing sides by uncrossing your legs one by one and hug them to your chest.

  4. It is important not to overdo this asana since your are stressing your knees if are lacking flexibility.




Modifications
  • Sit on blankets or blocks for height.

  • Have one leg in front of you, only crossing one leg.


Benefits
  • Hip opener

  • Good for your posture & lower back

  • Grounding pose

  • Digestion


Contraindications
  • Knee issues

  • Ankle issues

  • Hip issues

  • Hip surgery should avoid


Chakras

Root Chakra (Muladhara Chakra)


Elements

Fire


Doshas

Kapha


Dristh

Forward or closed.





History of Agnistambhasana (Tree Log Pose or Fire Log Pose)


The exact origins and history of Agnistambhasana are unclear, as it is not mentioned in ancient texts such as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika or the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. However, the pose is commonly taught in modern yoga classes and is considered a beginner-to-intermediate level hip opener.


It is possible that Agnistambhasana was developed as a variation of other seated poses, such as Sukhasana (Easy Pose) or Padmasana (Lotus Pose), to provide a deeper stretch to the hips and groins. The pose may have also been influenced by other seated hip openers in other traditions, such as the Lotus or Half-Lotus variations in Buddhist meditation practices.

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