Although yoga is often thought of as a relaxing practice that can soothe and prevent injuries, it can also cause problems of its own. Temporary numbness after a hot yoga class may not be serious -- but prolonged numbness may indicate an injury, and heat exhaustion is also a concern. If you're new to hot yoga, go slowly and don't exceed your comfort level. Always seek a doctor's advice for any health issues.
Numbness Causes
Numb hands can be linked to a number of injuries, such as brachial plexus injury, cervical spondylosis, peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord injury or ulnar nerve compression. If numbness occurs after a yoga practice and does not go away soon after the class has ended, you may have suffered an injury. In other cases, the numbness could be related to conditions such as a stroke or Lyme disease. Seek medical attention if the numbness persists, especially if other adverse symptoms also occur.
Solutions
Treatment of numbness depends on the underlying cause. Be sure to tell your doctor that the numbness occurred after yoga and describe the poses you performed. You may need to have a medication adjusted, take a supplement to counteract a vitamin deficiency or take other action as your doctor prescribes. Once you do, the numbness should go away. Pay special attention to your numb hand or arm in the meantime, as it may be more prone to injury.
Hot Yoga Precautions
Hot yoga, which is typically practiced in a room heated to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more, can be dangerous if you don't take proper precautions. Drink plenty of water before and during your workout, and stop immediately if you feel any symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as faintness, dizziness, fatigue, muscle cramps or nausea. Although numbness isn't a specific symptom of heat exhaustion, you could be suffering from it if you feel several of these symptoms. If this is the case, go to a cooler area, rest and drink water until you feel better; seek medical attention if symptoms don't improve.
Alternatives
Through trial and error or by talking to your doctor, you may be able to determine if specific yoga poses may be causing your numbness -- perhaps an arm balance or inversion is putting too much pressure on your arms and hands. If so, you can avoid these poses and ask your instructor for alternatives. If you suspect heat exhaustion may have contributed to your symptoms, look for an alternative yoga class practiced in a cooler environment. Always get a doctor's approval before returning to physical activity after an injury.
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