My foot keeps falling asleep

General discussion of issues related to Theravada Meditation, e.g. meditation postures, developing a regular sitting practice, skillfully relating to difficulties and hindrances, etc.
Post Reply
User avatar
bga
Posts: 28
Joined: Sun Apr 28, 2013 8:48 pm

My foot keeps falling asleep

Post by bga »

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!
sabbe dhammā nālaṃ abhinivesāyā’ti

"All phenomena are unworthy of attachment"
SN 7.58
santa100
Posts: 6814
Joined: Fri Jun 10, 2011 10:55 pm

Re: My foot keeps falling asleep

Post by santa100 »

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
User avatar
Viscid
Posts: 931
Joined: Fri Jul 09, 2010 8:55 pm
Location: Toronto, Canada
Contact:

Re: My foot keeps falling asleep

Post by Viscid »

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.
"What holds attention determines action." - William James
User avatar
mikenz66
Posts: 19943
Joined: Sat Jan 10, 2009 7:37 am
Location: Aotearoa, New Zealand

Re: My foot keeps falling asleep

Post by mikenz66 »

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

:anjali:
Mike
User avatar
IanAnd
Posts: 403
Joined: Mon Oct 19, 2009 5:19 am
Location: the deserts of Arizona

Re: My foot keeps falling asleep

Post by IanAnd »

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.
"The gift of truth exceeds all other gifts" — Dhammapada, v. 354 Craving XXIV
User avatar
Aloka
Posts: 7797
Joined: Wed Jan 21, 2009 2:51 pm

Re: My foot keeps falling asleep

Post by Aloka »

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.

.
User avatar
mirco
Posts: 450
Joined: Mon Jun 07, 2010 2:12 pm

Re: My foot keeps falling asleep

Post by mirco »

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

Be Well :-)
Digity
Posts: 1445
Joined: Wed Mar 30, 2011 2:13 am

Re: My foot keeps falling asleep

Post by Digity »

If you're not, try sitting on a pillow. I stopped having any major numbness when I did that.
User avatar
bga
Posts: 28
Joined: Sun Apr 28, 2013 8:48 pm

Re: My foot keeps falling asleep

Post by bga »

Thanks friends!
sabbe dhammā nālaṃ abhinivesāyā’ti

"All phenomena are unworthy of attachment"
SN 7.58
User avatar
Mojo
Posts: 143
Joined: Tue Feb 21, 2012 2:23 am

Re: My foot keeps falling asleep

Post by Mojo »

I also vote chair
User avatar
Bhikkhu Pesala
Posts: 4646
Joined: Thu Jan 29, 2009 8:17 pm

Re: My foot keeps falling asleep

Post by Bhikkhu Pesala »

Just be grateful that it is only your foot.

:zzz:
BlogPāli FontsIn This Very LifeBuddhist ChroniclesSoftware (Upasampadā: 24th June, 1979)
Bretteo
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Jun 02, 2013 8:44 am

Re: My foot keeps falling asleep

Post by Bretteo »

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