Expert: Daljit Kaur - 1/9/2009

Question
Hi,
Whenever I raise my arms above my head and then lower them, as in the salute to the sun, I get a tingling feeling like pins and needles in my left hand,fingers and lower left arm which lasts for a few seconds.  Is this normal or could it be a sign of a physical/medical problem?
Regardsd, Colleen

Answer
Hello Collen

Tingling sensation during yoga practice is not common in yoga.  Consult your yoga instructor. If tingling sensation is a one time event, you may ignore it. However, if it is occurring daily, consult your doctor and if required an endocrinologist or a neurologist.

Tingling sensation during yoga practice can be due to multiple reasons, weakness, poor blood circulation, nutritional deficiency etc. It is better to consult a doctor to rule out any medical problem. Maybe you are going too fast in  your yoga practice and needs to slow down.

Here is a link to a good article on tingling sensation and yoga
http://www.yogawiz.com/blog/health-tips/experiencing-tingling-sensation-when-doi...


In the mean time you can do these simple and harmless yoga exercises, which are quite effective for relaxation and improving blood circulation

>>>Shava asana
>>>Alom Vilom
>>>Rhythmic breathing Pranayama
>>>Yoga nidra
>>>Tada asana
>>>Markata asana
>>>Pawan mukta asana
>>>Cobra pose
>>>Camel pose
>>>Vajra asana


Hope this helps. Wishing you health and happiness.

Regards
Daljit


P.S

1. You can let us know your progress, or ask further query by asking a follow up question.

2. Free yoga course on yoga basics
http://www.yoga-for-beginners-a-practical-guide.com/free-yoga-lessons.html

3. Free yoga ezine
http://www.yoga-for-beginners-a-practical-guide.com/yoga-for-health.html