Dhamma Wheel Buddhist Forum

Sometimes when I meditate cross-legged for more than 10 minutes at a time, my foot falls asleep. I don't really mind since it doesn't affect my concentration or mindfulness. I simply note it and move on. The only reason it's a problem is that the numbing starts to travel up my leg and I become concerned about the lack of blood traveling to my foot. So, if anyone has any suggestions on how I should deal with this it would be much appreciated. I hope everyone is having a happy Visākha Pūjā!

You might want to try one of those meditation benches. They help relieve some pressure off the legs..

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_ ... tion+bench

The numbness is not due to a loss of circulation, but pressure being put on a nerve. Don't worry: it's harmless and you can meditate just fine with a numb foot.

Hi bga,

You might try the "Burmese" posture, which avoids having legs on top of each other:
http://zmm.mro.org/teachings/meditation-instructions/
http://www.bisbeelotussangha.org/sittingpostures.htm


Mike

bga wrote:Sometimes when I meditate cross-legged for more than 10 minutes at a time, my foot falls asleep. I don't really mind since it doesn't affect my concentration or mindfulness. I simply note it and move on. . . . So, if anyone has any suggestions on how I should deal with this it would be much appreciated.

mikenz66 wrote:You might try the "Burmese" posture, which avoids having legs on top of each other...

Or shifting from the cross-legged position you start out with and into the Burmese position in order to lesson the pressure on the nerve causing the numbness. I do this all the time whenever the need crops up. Shifting your position during meditation should not be seen as any kind of no-no or whatever. If you're able to endure the circumstance without it bothering (distracting) you, then fine and dandy. But, never hesitate to shift your position in order to facilitate comfort in your sitting.

There are some who may say: "No, don't change position, but bear the pain and explore your reactions for the sake of insight about it." And while that might be good once or twice, it soon becomes old, and there is no need for having to put up with it. Do whatever helps you to continue making progress in your practice (relieves a distracting situation) and don't feel none-the-less for having done so.

Sit in a straight-backed chair if you have recurring physical problems. I've never been to a meditation class that hasn't had chairs available for those who need them.

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Jep. Try a chair. There's no magic in sitting on the floor.

Be Well

If you're not, try sitting on a pillow. I stopped having any major numbness when I did that.

Thanks friends!

I also vote chair

Just be grateful that it is only your foot.

Get a pillow. I was never able to sit comfortably after slouching all through high school.