Nausea & Yoga
Why do I feel nauseous after Yoga?
Feeling nauseous after a yoga class can be relatively common, especially if you're new to the practice or if the class was particularly intense. Nausea can be caused by a variety of factors, such as dehydration, low blood sugar, or even the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system during relaxation poses. It's important to listen to your body and take care of yourself. Make sure to stay hydrated and avoid eating a heavy meal right before class.
Why does going upside down make me nauseous?
If you have a stomach full of food and you are moving upside down eg: Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward-facing dog pose), this can make you feel nauseous. Equally though if you haven't eaten enough that day you may be more susceptible to lower blood pressure with symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness and nausea can occur.
What yoga pose is best for nausea?
Supta Virasana: This is one of the most effective yoga poses for nausea. This is because the weight of the diaphragm is lifted off the liver and stomach, which gives them more space and time to recuperate. Any supported backbend, where the spine is not curving back but lengthening back, will bring relief to digestive issues. This includes heartburn and bloating.
Nausea and dizziness can occur due to high or lower blood pressure.
What Asanas can I practice for high blood pressure?
Yoga may help lower your blood pressure, especially if you practice often. It particularly helps if you are practicing both Asana (postures) and Pranayama (breathing exercises).
While you're doing yoga (as is true for any type of exercise), your blood pressure will naturally rise, especially if you move quickly or hold poses for longer periods of time.
To minimize possible spikes in blood pressure, move slowly from one pose to the next. Take a break frequently and repeat the asanas rather than long holds. If you feel the need, rest in Virasana forwards.
Holding your breath may also elevate blood pressure; keep breathing throughout your practice. Your teacher will remind, periodically during class, however in any situation keep noticing your breath. It maybe you are shallow breathing, or holding your breath, causing more unnecessary pressure on the heart. Extending the length of your inhalations and exhalations can help calm your nervous system. But take care not to strain or force, particularly in inhalation .
Inversions, where the heart is higher than the head, requires the heart to pump blood against gravity and tends to be more challenging. Work slowly toward going upside down. Start with the standing inverted forward bends: Adho Mukha Svanasana (Dog Pose), Uttanasana, Prasarita Padottanasana, Parsvottanasana. Working gradually towards the more advance inverted asanas try practicing supported backbends: Viparita Dandasana (on a chair or bolsters, with or without head support), Setu Bandhasana (on a bench and or bolsters). Chatush Padasana (feet high on a wall or chair) into Sarvangasana off a chair or Rope Sarvangasana, progresses the student carefully and considerately towards practicing full Salamba Sarvangasana (supported shoulderstand). Practice Virasana forwards in between each Asana.
NB This sequence is for people with well-controlled high blood pressure.
The effect of Savasana.
Always end your practice with Savasana (relaxation). This helps relax your body as your breathing rate and blood pressure gradually drop.
“Savasana is an important pose to help ‘remodel’ your body. The work of asana warms the body, and places forces on it in ways that start to break down physical habit patterns. When you rest in Savasana, the body cools in its ‘mold,’ which is anatomic neutral. Allowing the body to cool in this shape is a crucial reset for your whole physiology.”
Science says: Savasana reduces all muscle tension, improves venous circulation, tones the whole nervous system and relieves fatigue. In addition, the heart is rested and the distribution of blood is uniform. The breathing becomes slow, deep and rhythmic. Savasana stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (your rest and digest response) and calms your sympathetic nervous system (your fight, flight and freeze response).