Yoga for Vertigo

(August 17, 2008)

Which yoga asanas are beneficial for vertigo?

Vertigo is a kind of dizziness where the person experiences a sense of motion. It is related to the sense of balance and equilibrium. The central nervous system maintains the balance and equilibrium with the help of the parts of the nervous system. The inner ears maintain the direction of motion like turning, side to side and forward and backward. The eyes help in managing the body in positions such as upside down positions, right side up. The skin pressure receptors are present in the joints and spine that tell us which part of the body is touching the ground. The central nervous system tends to coordinate the parts of nervous system for carrying out proper motion. Dizziness and motion sickness occurs if the central nervous system gets conflicting messages from the parts of nervous system and the balance is affected.

If the brain does not receive enough blood flow, we may feel light headed. Poor circulation occurs due to spasm of the arteries, stress and tension, excessive salt intake, anemia and heart problem. The inner ear is very sensitive to alterations in blood circulation. If the inner ear doesn't receive enough blood flow, then the type of dizziness is called vertigo. Other causes include fracture of the skull, food allergies, infection or illness, neurological problems like tumors or multiple sclerosis.

Yoga postures could help to maintain this balance. Postures also help to activate the central nervous system, strengthen the inner ears and maintain the equilibrium.

Certain yoga postures that can be beneficial for vertigo are:

Malasana (Garland Pose): Squat with the feet together. Widen the thighs more than the torso and move the torso forward with arm pits extending beyond the knees. Bend forward and catch the behind of the ankle. Exhale and Bend the head forward and stretch the arms forward .Bend the head forward and allow the forehead to touch the toes. Remain in this position for a minute and breathe normally. Inhale and raise the head and rest on the floor. Exhale and bend forward with head on the floor. Stay in this position for 30 to 60 seconds and come back to the original position. Release the hands from the floor and rest.

Halasana (The Plough Posture): Maintain a supine position with the hands towards the sides of the thighs and the palms resting on the ground. Without bending your knees, slowly raise the legs and bring it to 30 degrees from the ground. Rise further and bring it to 60 degrees. Raise the feet further to 90 degrees angle. Press the hands and bring the feet closer towards the head. Continue until the toes touch the ground and bend the legs backward as far as possible. Place the palms under the head making a finger lock. Remain in this position for few seconds. Now come back to the original position by removing the finger lock. Place the hands to the sides of the body. Lower the waist and bring the feet back to 90 degrees angle. Bring the feet downwards until it touches the ground.

Submitted by R J on August 17, 2008 at 11:09