Vertigo and asanas

(November 10, 2010)

I do yoga dialy--now i have vertigo---is it due to yoga--if yes then which asanas should not be done

Vertigo is a rather common condition that is very often confused with a case of dizziness because of how it affects the body with the individual experiencing his or her surroundings moving around the body at a relatively fast speed. However, the main difference between the two is the fact that while dizziness is always triggered by some kind of physical movement of the body that comes to a sudden halt, vertigo is not triggered by any kind of physical bodily movement, but is actually more the result of some kind of internal malfunction within the body. It therefore would make no sense to simply try and use yoga for dizziness, but to try and address the underlying problem in such a scenario. The inner ear is one of the main organs in the human body that plays a role in the illusion of movement and, as a result, plays a major role in the development of vertigo as well. Some of the more common symptoms of vertigo include nausea or vomiting, abnormal eye movements as well as excessive sweating, all in addition to the feeling of your surroundings revolving around you at a rather high speed.
Vertigo and yoga are not a very common combination because of the fact that the most common treatment options are mainly chemically based. However, people are on the lookout for more natural treatments for vertigo and yoga is being touted as one of the most effective of the options available. While yoga can start out as being a rather simple discipline, the more advanced poses in the art will need to be supervised by a trained instructor – at least initially. This is primarily because of the fact that yoga pushes the body to a number of athletic poses and greatly stretches and exercises some of the less commonly used muscle groups in the body. The fact that the most common causes of vertigo happen to be factors like lack of proper circulation in the body as well as constricted nerves or blood vessels means that vertigo and yoga can be a very effective combination – when practiced properly.
One of the best yoga poses for vertigo is known as the malasana which requires you to squat on your haunches with your feet together – while ensuring that the heels and soles are rested firmly on the floor. Then proceed to widen the thighs and knees and move your body forward right up till the armpits extend over the knees. Bend forward and grab onto the back of the ankles before you exhale and move the head down to the toes, thereby resting the forehead on them. Maintain this pose for about a minute before relaxing the body for a few minutes and then repeating the pose.

Submitted by A on November 10, 2010 at 06:02

Vertigo refers to the dizzy sensation that can make you believe that either you or your surroundings are spinning. It is quite a common condition that is seen mainly in adults. Although vertigo is usually not a serious or a life threatening condition, anyone who is suffering from it should consult a doctor immediately to identify the cause. There could be various causes for vertigo and treatment options for this condition are dependant on the factors that cause it. Based on the symptoms, the severity, as well as your physical health and medical condition, a doctor may recommend medication, therapy, exercises, some dietary changes and maybe even yoga and Pilates, as vertigo and exercise are interrelated. Given below are some of the activities that could be recommended by a doctor, for people who suffer from vertigo

Vertigo and yoga
There are many yoga poses for vertigo that can help improve the condition, to a certain extent. The yoga poses vertigo exercises usually recommended are:

• Pranayama (The Breathing Technique)
• Malasana (The Garland Pose)
• Halasana (The Plough Pose)
• Savasana (The Corpse Pose)
• Paschimottasana (The Seated Forward Bend Pose)
• Salamba Sirsasana (The Supported Headstand Pose)

However, vertigo and yoga together, could be quite dangerous, if the poses and techniques are not practiced correctly. Therefore, it is best to first check with a doctor if you can take up yoga for vertigo or not. Thereafter, do not practice these poses without the guidance of a qualified guru, until you gain a certain level of mastery.

Vertigo and Pilates
There are certain exercises that can trigger off dizziness in a person and can thereby aggravate the problem of vertigo. Therefore, it is a common belief that people who suffer from vertigo should not practice Pilates, as being in a horizontal position could intensify the feeling of dizziness. However, this is not necessarily true, as Pilates can be adapted to suit individual needs for a proper workout. Certain exercises, like the Roll Up can be performed, if you do not roll all the way down and the case of the Ab Series, if you roll up to rest instead of lying down. If you do perform any exercise that requires you to lie down, make sure that you get back up slowly, preferably, first rolling over to the side. Moreover, standing arm work exercises that are also a part of Pilates can help vertigo patients. There are certain exercises such as Rolling Like A Ball should not be performed by people who have vertigo.

Submitted by A on September 21, 2010 at 05:36

You can continue with your Yoga practices but avoid all inverted poses and Bhastrika pranayama. Also, keep breathing deeply and don’t practice breath retention during asanas, exercises or breathing exercises. Also, maintain a healthy (Yoga) diet.

Submitted by A on September 6, 2007 at 04:14