What can I do?
Have you ever felt all zenned out from your Yoga practice, and them bam! You get a cramp! It’s not at all uncommon to get cramps when practicing Yoga — any style of Yoga. Trust me, I know, because I still sometimes get them!
3 Lifestyle Changes to Help
While cramps can and do hit at the worst times, there are some lifestyle changes you can try:
- Hydrate Well. Dehydration can definitely cause cramping.
- Try using electrolytes. Not everyone needs to supplement with electrolytes, but during the Summer, I take some daily.
- Add more foods that contain potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium to your diet. A few to try are bananas, sweet potatoes, melons, and dark leafy greens. Obviously this is not an exhaustive list!
What to do right now!
You’ve added in some of the above changes, but you get towards the end of a practice and you still get a cramp. Now what?
- Stimulate the Acupressure Point Liver-3 (LV-3): this point is located in the webbing between the big toe and the second toe on the top of the foot. Apply pressure using your thumb or fingers. You can also massage in a circular or up-and-down motion for 2-3 minutes on each foot.
- Calf cramps: Point your toes strongly towards your leg (dorsiflexion); coming into Down Dog or walking it off may also help.
- Foot cramps: make sure to really take care of your feet. Our feet tend to get stiffer as we get older, especially if we don’t spent much time out of our shoes or stretch them (more than once in a blue moon). I’ve linked up a playlist to keep your feet happy below.
If the cramps become common, you may want to consult with a medical professional — remember I am not a medical professional and I can’t diagnose you.
Do you have a sure fire cramp buster?
Looking for more Yin? To support your practice, I invite you to explore my YouTube channel here. You’ll find a range of Yin Yoga videos from 15 to 60 minutes. Select a practice that matches the time you have available and immerse yourself in the transformative power of Yin Yoga.
Want to strengthen your feet particularly and keep them happy? This playlist has 14 videos for you to explore (click here).
Are you seeking balance, relaxation, and inner harmony? Join our Yin Yoga Facebook group here (remember to answer the questions), and unlock the power of deep stretching and mindfulness. Connect with fellow yogis, find inspiration, and access resources to enhance your practice. Together, let’s cultivate tranquility and well-being.
In the Facebook group I share numerous shorter Yin Yoga practices, break down poses, and share valuable insights into the practice.
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