Balancing in Standing Bow.

Gabrielle,

First and foremost, thank you so much for this phenomenal resource. I started my yoga practice six months ago and it is, without a doubt, the best decision I’ve ever made.

A question for you all about Standing Bow. I’ve generally experienced one of two uncomfortable sensations in this pose. Either my foot begins to cramp (which was particularly true the first three months of class) or whichever arm is in the air while I am balancing beginning to “fall asleep” and circulation is lost.

Any initial thoughts? The left side of my body is markedly less strong than the right (though it’s certainly improving through 4 – 5 classes a week). Most of the sensations I have are connected to my left foot and left arm, for whatever reason.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts you might have – I’m glad to be part of such a giving community.

Best,

Larry

Hi Larry

Amy mentions about nerves through tightness causing the tingling. This is possible! It is possible that you need more opening work in your shoulders to allay the tingling.

My initial thought was this:

It is VERY possible that when you’re reaching forward with your arm that your shoulder is lifting up. Often this happens to get the “chin on the shoulder”. This is a hunching movement that needs to be avoided. So this could be blocking clear neural transmission.

Drop the shoulder down and back and then project your arm forward strongly. See what happens.

As for the foot. I assume you’re talking about the lifted leg! Correct me if I am wrong. Feet are notoriously tight in many people due to lack of use. It could be that there is a lot of tension in your foot. Can you tell me what ease or difficulty you have in pointing your toes? Where exactly are you feeling that cramping in your foot? Do you ever feel cramping in your calf or anywhere else?

Have fun in your investigations.

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂