Numbness in thumb/arm after Standing Bow

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marina_p
Participant

April 6, 2015 at 4:42 pm

Post count: 1

#2701

Hi,

I’ve just been to my third Hot Yoga class, and every time after the Standing Bow I get a numbness/tingling sensation in my left arm (a little bit in the right too). Predominantly, it’s numbness in the thumb, pulling up through left side of the left arm and up to the shoulder. Any idea what might be causing this and how to improve?
During the posture I’m focusing on kicking with the leg that is in the air and keeping the knees from flaring outwards.

Thank you!

Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
Forum Owner

April 11, 2015 at 3:17 am

Post count: 3048

#11297

Hi Marina

Please tell if this is still happening. I am wondering why it’s more in the left than in the right arm. Are you left or right handed?

My first guess about the issue is that you are probably using your arm and shoulder muscles to hold onto the leg. Does that sound right?

Often, and particularly when we’re new at a skill, we don’t have all the distinctions to the poses, the techniques are new to us and on top of that there are too many things for us to focus on to ‘get it right’. So it’s kinda overwhelming. It’s likely that at this stage you’re just finding your way and you could actually be doing something with your arms but you’re not consciously aware of it because you’re focusing on the kick.

So do try this.

Pick up the foot in the hand. Elbow in, palm out. Just let the foot rest in the hand and while you’re standing there before you start the pose, just push the knee back just enough that you can feel traction in your arm (holding the foot). That’s your pose starting point. Actually your body feels really strong and open in this position. You’ll like the way you can start positively now.

Stay upright and keep the other arm up high palm forward.

Now, instead of ‘charging the body forward’ and ‘bringing the body down parallel to the floor’ just press the foot back into the hand, press the knee up toward the ceiling and keep the front arm as high as you can the whole time.

You’ll notice that without even thinking about it, the mechanics of this pose will have your body move down … that’s right, without thinking. Just press the foot back into your relaxed arm (KEY POINT) and feel your arm lengthen. Feel your shoulder pull space in the joint between your torso and arm. And above all, don’t bend your arm, don’t activate your biceps or triceps or any other muscles in your arms. Just your fingers are holding the foot (thumb UNDERNEATH) and your leg is doing the work.

The only other thing that it can be besides mechanical, is an electrolyte issue where you need to replenish with dietary salt or some supplement. I need to pop that in for completeness in the event that it happens in any other pose.

Come back and let me know how you go

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂
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