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Regular
Posts: 80
Location: SoCal | So... I hesitate to bring up stuff that might sound irrationally critical of the yoga, but this is something I've been experiencing on and off since I came back to Bikram in June. (Just FYI: I practice 2x week.)
At least every other class, a few hours after practicing I get this general... malaise. I don't know how else to put it. I just feel a little icky--slight headache, a little nauseated, tired. I don't feel like this excepet after class. It tends to last about 24 hours. I can't pinpoint any other causes. I'm sure to drink a lot of water and juice after class, and I eat what feels right; although my diet isn't quite as full of fresh fruit and healthy stuff as it might be, I eat pretty well.
It's not unbearable, and it's not going to make me stop practicing. I've had too many amazing, healing experiences to stop! But this is weird. Right? Hahaha. I'd love to hear any insights you might have. thanks! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 621
 
Location: CA | It's not a dumb question or even a weird one. It is super normal, and if my guess is right, it is also very easy to fix.  Nausea and headache can both come from mild dehydration, which is really common if you don't replenish your electrolytes. I know you said you're drinking water and juice, so you're getting enough fluids and sugar, but you still need sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Have you ever gotten that feeling where you keep drinking water but you're still kinda thirsty? All the water in the world won't make a difference if you don't have enough minerals in your body!
Recommendations: A cold coconut water after class can do wonders! Those are a great natural electrolyte source, and a lot of studios sell them. You can also try various sports drinks - just read the label to make sure they actually have electrolytes in them. Even plain old Gatorade will work in a pinch, though it has a lot of sugar and other junk in it. (I always liked the light blue one diluted with water.) Also, diet-wise, dark leafy greens are always a good addition. I developed a weird craving for kale after I started Bikram, and later learned that it's a great source of calcium, potassium, and magnesium - go figure!
That is definitely the first thing that I would try, because it's cheap, easy, and harmless, and it often works! |
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Member
Posts: 32
| maybe she didnt hydrate herself well BEFORE class which is really important. its a little late to be drinking a lot of water after class since the body is already dehydrated. |
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Veteran
Posts: 140
| there are a lot of factors that could be at play but I am with dancing on this one about the electrolytes... I take a tab before and after class and never have had a problem since |
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Regular
Posts: 80
Location: SoCal | A tab of what, Amyf?
Thanks for the recommendations and advice! I will try the coconut water again and maybe be sure to have a good glass of juice before the class!
btw, Dancingj, I love your blog and check it often. You are a good writer and the blog is inspiring! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 968
Location: party in the USA | Randomfemale - 2009-10-19 9:27 AM
A tab of what, Amyf?
a tab of lsd! |
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Regular
Posts: 66
| I've had headaches after yoga before, too, sometimes lasting a full day. Usually not nausea or any other malaise. I experimented with hydration and with electrolytes, and nothing helped. What happened was that after a couple of weeks of consistent practice, it went away. If I am away for a week or more, I expect a headache when I go back.
Hydration is important, but I think it is also a quick and easy answer that people whip out whenever anyone is having trouble with bikram yoga. "You're not hydrated enough!" Same thing when people are struggling with the heat. I had a horrible time with the heat when I started and no amount of hydration made it better. Now that my body has adjusted, I just drink a big glass of water before class, and I am good to go. I don't even drink much in class anymore.
One thing I considered is whether there might be some strain in the muscles in my neck. I think most of us have rather weak neck muscles and tension or fatigue in those muscles that attach at the back of your head can cause tension headaches.
Ferret |
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Regular
Posts: 80
Location: SoCal | Ferret, you hit my concerns dead-on, down to the neck muscle thing. (Whenever I get a headache or migraine it starts with neck pain) I'm super-stressed from work lately, hunched over at the computer or grading all the time. It can't be good for my back and neck, and yoga forces me to deal with the stress head-on. Maybe that's just part of the problem and I should go to class more often to combat this. Thanks.
And Dhanurasana, pass the acid, please! Hahahaha. |
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Veteran
Posts: 140
| too funny!! I take an electrolyte tab. LOL Could you imagine LSD in the hot room !!!!!! holy SH$%^& I would not want to be on that trip. |
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Member
Posts: 35
| Drink coconut water. I think it's dehydration. Don't drink gatorade, that stuff is full of high fructose corn syrup which is like poison for the liver. |
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post-yoga icky feeling. WTH?
