You're deep into your yoga practice, flowing through asanas with grace and intent suddenly, you feel an unexpected tingle in your limbs or a curious numbness settling in. It's as if your body is trying to communicate with you through whispers, nudging you to pause and listen.
That unsettling burning sensation trickling down your leg, or perhaps just a subtle tingling in your fingers – if you're a seasoned meditator or yogi, chances are you've encountered these sensations during your practice. The question that often arises: should you be concerned? While it's true that the way we move and hold our bodies during meditation and yoga can give rise to these sensations, it's essential to consider whether there might be a more profound issue at play.
But what's causing them, and how should you respond? It's not just about adjusting your pose or shifting your position; there might be an underlying concern that deserves your scrutiny.
Tingling and numbness in the lower body
Tingling and numbness in the lower body during yoga can occur due to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve in poses that involve forward bends or twisting. Prolonged sitting or pressure on the feet in certain seated poses can reduce blood flow to the lower extremities, leading to tingling in the feet and ankles. Deep hip stretches and overstretching the hamstrings in intense poses can compress nerves and cause tingling sensations.
Also read: 10 Yoga asanas you can easily practice everyday
Tingling and numbness in the upper body
In the upper body, tingling and numbness often result from nerve or blood vessel compression. Yoga poses involving neck bending or excessive shoulder tension, like shoulder stands, can lead to these sensations. Advanced poses, such as arm balances and inversions, may reduce blood flow to the arms and hands temporarily, causing tingling. Overextending the lower back in back-bending poses can compress spinal nerves, leading to tingling in the arms and hands. Lastly, poses with wrist pressure, like a downward-facing dog, can result in tingling in the hands and fingers, emphasizing the need for proper alignment and wrist strength.
Why you feel tingling or numbness while doing yoga
Pinched nerves: Tingling or numbness often occurs when pressure is applied to a nerve or when a nerve is pinched. It can happen in yoga poses where you place your body in positions that may compress nerves. For example, sitting cross-legged for an extended period may put pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing tingling in the legs.
Limited blood flow: Yoga involves various poses that require holding positions for extended periods. When you maintain these positions, you may inadvertently reduce blood flow to certain body parts. Limited blood flow can lead to a tingling sensation as tissues and nerves in the area become temporarily deprived of oxygen and nutrients.
Muscle engagement: Some yoga poses require intense muscle engagement, which can lead to sensations of tingling or numbness. It is common in poses that demand a high degree of muscle strength, such as arm balances and inversions. The increased muscle activation may temporarily reduce blood flow, causing tingling.
Stretching and flexibility: Yoga often involves deep stretching and flexibility work. As you push your body to its limits, you may stretch muscles and fascia, which can sometimes irritate nerves temporarily. It can result in tingling sensations, particularly in areas where the fascia is tight.
Injury or overuse: Sometimes, tingling and numbness during yoga can be indicative of an underlying injury or overuse of a specific muscle group. If you have a pre-existing condition or an old injury, certain yoga poses may exacerbate these issues and cause tingling or numbness.
Also check: Soreness after yoga? This is what your body needs
Things to take care of while practicing yoga
Listen to your body: The most crucial aspect of practicing yoga safely is to listen to your body. If you feel tingling or numbness during a pose, it's your body's way of signaling that something isn't quite right. Don't push through it. Instead, ease out and assess what might be causing the sensation.
Warm-up adequately: Proper warm-up is essential before diving into more intense yoga poses. Warming up prepares your muscles, increases blood flow, and reduces the risk of injury or discomfort during practice.
Maintain proper alignment: Correct alignment is crucial to prevent nerve compression and ensure your yoga practice remains safe and effective. If you're unsure about proper alignment in a particular pose, consider attending a class with an experienced instructor who can provide guidance.
Breathe mindfully: Your breath can be a powerful tool to alleviate tingling sensations. Deep, controlled breathing can help relax muscles and improve circulation to the affected area. Focus on slow and steady breaths, especially when you feel discomfort.
Balance strength and flexibility: A well-rounded yoga practice includes strength-building and flexibility-enhancing poses. Strive for balance in your practice to avoid overloading specific muscle groups and causing discomfort.
Avoid overexertion: While it's beneficial to challenge yourself in yoga, avoid overexerting your body, especially if you're a beginner. Gradually progress in your practice, and don't force yourself into poses that cause excessive discomfort.
Conclusion
Tingling and numbness during yoga poses can be disconcerting, but they are not uncommon. Understanding why these sensations occur and taking appropriate precautions can help you practice yoga safely and reap the myriad benefits it offers. Remember to always listen to your body, modify poses when necessary, and seek guidance from experienced instructors or healthcare professionals if you encounter persistent or worsening sensations.