Can you feel sick after yoga? The answer is yes. There are many factors that contribute to post yoga nausea that include, but aren’t limited to eating a meal before class, release of toxins, and the body moving through emotions and trauma.
Let me elaborate a bit. In an intense yoga class, the body is sending blood to major muscle groups through a variety of yoga positions. Therefore, sending blood away from the stomach and digestive system, slowing digestion. In fact, there are yoga positions for digestion that can aid in reducing nausea even further. Generally speaking, might be better to attend class 1 1/2 - 3 hrs after a regular meal. Pay attention though, if you need a snack, keep it small with protein and carbohydrates like these yoga snacks. Dehydration or lack of electrolytes can also contribute to nausea so keep a water bottle handy and remember to hydrate before class begins.
Whether you attend hot yoga or room temperature yoga classes, the release of toxins happens, but not always in the way we think. Sweating is a way for the body to remove toxins, but breath and the digestive tract actually facilitate a greater avenue of release. Pranayama helps to release toxins and can calm the physical effects of toxin release. If you become nauseous, sit or lay down, reconnect to your breath by breathing long, full inhales and exhales.
The last reason that may have you feeling sick after a yoga class is from trauma and emotions that are held in the physical body. Many times it is trauma from years past. Yoga provides a healthy movement for body, mind and soul. We often bind through our lives trauma and painful experiences in our bodies. When moving, breathing with intentional awareness we open the muscles to elongate and contract. Creating a practice that can challenge us whether in stillness or in asanas. It is from that resistance the body is ever changing and moving forward to what is better. There may be memories that arise or a complete lack of. It is important to not judge the physical nausea that may arise but to be grateful that your body is becoming more healthy by letting go of the past.
I hope this gives some answers to this question. Be mindful here, if you have changed how you do things and are still feeling sick, please consult a doctor.
About the Author:
Christina discovered yoga in 2009 after a broken ankle and months of rehab led her to her first hot yoga class. Wanting to encourage others to find their own healing in mind, body and soul, she became a yoga teacher in 2012 and now teaches a faith based Hatha instruction using affirmations from the Bible. Christina’s style is filled with energy as she combines body awareness, strength and freedom, and instructs based on sound biblical principles.
