Feeling Lightheaded? 5 Tips to Help Prevent Dizziness in Yoga

Do you ever experience dizziness in yoga class? Getting a little woozy while practicing yoga isn’t uncommon. The sensation can vary from an almost pleasant, slightly intoxicated feeling (like the rush after the first swallow of a good glass of champagne) to nausea accompanied by a frightening feeling that the room is spinning out of control. In severe cases, students can even pass out.

Although occasional wooziness while practicing yoga is no cause for alarm, if you regularly experience lightheadedness—during yoga or not—check with your doctor. If your doctor gives you the green light to continue practicing, here are five strategies that may help.

Tip #1 to Prevent Dizziness In Yoga: Eat a Small Meal Before Yoga Class

Yoga teachers generally recommend that students not eat for three hours before practicing asana. It’s not bad advice, as long as you’re not hypoglycemic. If your blood sugar tends to be on the low side, eating a light meal or a protein bar an hour or so before class may make a world of difference.

Tip #2 to Prevent Dizziness In Yoga: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

People who get woozy when they stand up or when they move their head from below to above their heart often suffer from postural hypotension (low blood pressure due to shifting posture from sitting or lying to standing up). Drinking lots of water before class helps pump up the blood volume and seems to keep blood pressure more stable.

Tip #3 to Prevent Dizziness In Yoga: Practice in the Afternoon or Evening

Many of my clients with dizziness issues have significantly fewer problems if they practice later in the day. I can’t fully explain why, but increased food, fluid, and daily activity all probably contribute.

Tip #4: Move Slowly

Sudden transitions, such as coming out of a forward bend, moving from the floor to standing, or even sitting up from Savasana, can result in lightheadedness. Make each transition slow, mindful, and focused on the breath.

Tip #5: Keep Your Head Above Your Heart     

This one is tougher because it involves modifying the postures. Instead of going fully into a forward bend, try going halfway or lifting your chin slightly. Sometimes, a small change in form fixes the problem.

Lightheadedness has many causes, including medication side effects, inner ear issues, low blood pressure, and low blood sugar. Some are trickier to deal with than others.

Remember: always check with your doctor for health-related concerns in yoga class. Try one of these five tips once your healthcare provider says all is well. They have helped many of my clients continue their practice comfortably and easily, and I hope they help you, too.

Reprinted with permission from TracyWeberBlog.com

Tracy Weber, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, is a yoga therapist and author of the Downward Dog Mystery series, which won the Maxwell Award for fiction. She loves sharing her passion for yoga and animals in any way possible.

Tracy and her husband Marc live in Seattle with their crazy new German shepherd pup, Ana. When she’s not writing, Tracy teaches yoga, tries to corral Ana, and sips Blackthorn cider at her favorite ale house. 

For more information on Tracy and the Downward Dog Mysteries, visit her author website: http://TracyWeberAuthor.com/.