Agnistambhasana or Fire Log or Double Pigeon Pose

Introduction

Due to excessive sitting in chairs, with poor posture, and a screen in front of the face, we have become a society filled with stress. Agnistambhasana offers relief through stretching the hips deeply, as well as cultivating a calm, steady place within your mind.

Fire Log Pose demands that we lift up through the heart, while sinking down into the hips. We must cultivate a deep, inner observance of what is happening in the pose in order to fully surrender to the deep opening in both hips simultaneously.

Some studies have indicated that practicing postures such as reclining pigeon pose can help to ease the conditions of piriformis syndrome and sciatica.

Muscle Focus

Double Pigeon Pose focuses on several muscles such as

• Gluteus
• Adductors
• Quads (front thigh muscles)
• Back muscles
• Hip external rotators

Ideal For Health Conditions

• A very deep hip muscles opening pose.
• Stimulates digestive system and lymphatic system.
• Mobilise the hip joint.

Benefits of Agnistambhasana or Fire Log or Double Pigeon Pose

1. It Stretches Important Muscles

It stretches the hips, psoas, glutes, inner thighs, groin, ankles, quadriceps, and hamstrings.

2. It Opens the Piriformis Muscle

The piriformis is one of six muscles that assist in the rotation of the hip joint, and can easily become tight from different repetitive motions such as sitting or running. Many people who have issues with their hamstrings also have tight piriformis.

3. Calming for the Mind

Fire Log Pose demands that we lift up through the heart while sinking down into the hips. We must cultivate a deep, inner observance of what is happening in the pose in order to fully surrender to the deep opening in both hips simultaneously. This creates a space where we can find calm and stillness within ourselves.

4. It is an Excellent Hip Opener Pose

Agnistambhasana, also known as Double Pigeon Pose, is a very deep hip opener. It’s important to be aware of the softness of your heart while practicing this pose so that you can find the balance between intensity and surrender in order to get the maximum benefit from it.

5. Improves Hip-Joint Mobility

Agnistambhasana is a hip-opening pose that releases tightness in the hips, glutes, and inner thighs. Double pigeon stretches important muscles that help with mobility in these joints.

6. It Stimulates Lymphatic System

This pose can also stimulate the digestive system, as well as the lymphatic system, encouraging the immune system to function properly. This pose is highly focused on having a tall, aligned spine, as well as the importance of breathing deeply while in the pose. When one is able to lean forward in the pose, the abdominal muscles are compressed, and when one comes back out of the pose there is a flushing effect in the entire digestive system.

7. Creates Flushing Effect in the Entire Digestive System

When one leans forward in the pose, the abdominal muscles are compressed and when one comes back out of the pose there is a flushing effect in the entire digestive system. This helps to stimulate and encourage healthy function within this system.

Contraindications

Not recommended for people with lower back or hip injuries.

This is an intermediate pose that requires warming up the hips, psoas, and groin appropriately before you attempt it.

Due to potential compression in the abdomen, it is important to practice on an empty stomach, and it may be a good idea to wait 3-4 hours after eating to practice the pose.

Variations

• Eka Pada Agnistambhasana (One-legged Fire Log Pose or double pigeon pose)
• Parivrtta Agnistambhasana (Revolved Double Pigeon Pose)

Preparatory Pose

• Baddhakonasana (Bound Angle Pose)
• Swastikasana (Auspicious Pose)

Beginner’s Tips

• Don’t lift your knee off the ground.
• Never force yourself into this position, especially if you have knee problems.
• Don’t worry about being perfect all day every single time.

How to do Agnistambhasana or Fire Log or Double Pigeon Pose

• Start by sitting into Dandasasna (Staff Pose).
• First, bend your left leg at the knee at a 90-degree angle, followed by the right leg.
• Inhale to lift your arms up over your head.
• Exhale, keep your spine long and then hinge over your hip joint while leaning forward.
• Hold for 30 seconds before switching the legs.

Mental Benefits of Agnistambhasana or Fire Log or Double Pigeon Pose

• Alleviates mental fatigue
• Ideal asana for relieving stress
• Promotes relaxation through stretching.

The Bottom Line

Agnistambhasana or Fire Log Pose is an excellent hip opener that can provide many benefits for those who practice it regularly. It’s important to be aware of your body and mind while practicing this pose so that you can find the balance between intensity and surrender necessary to get the most benefit from it. As with all poses, be sure to listen to your body and take breaks as needed.

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