My foot keeps falling asleep
My foot keeps falling asleep
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
"All phenomena are unworthy of attachment"
SN 7.58
Re: My foot keeps falling asleep
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
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_ ... tion+bench
Re: My foot keeps falling asleep
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
Re: My foot keeps falling asleep
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
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
Re: My foot keeps falling asleep
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.
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.mikenz66 wrote:You might try the "Burmese" posture, which avoids having legs on top of each other...
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
Re: My foot keeps falling asleep
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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Re: My foot keeps falling asleep
Jep. Try a chair. There's no magic in sitting on the floor.
Be Well
Be Well
Re: My foot keeps falling asleep
If you're not, try sitting on a pillow. I stopped having any major numbness when I did that.
Re: My foot keeps falling asleep
Thanks friends!
sabbe dhammā nālaṃ abhinivesāyā’ti
"All phenomena are unworthy of attachment"
SN 7.58
"All phenomena are unworthy of attachment"
SN 7.58
Re: My foot keeps falling asleep
I also vote chair
- Bhikkhu Pesala
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Re: My foot keeps falling asleep
Just be grateful that it is only your foot.
Blog • Pāli Fonts • In This Very Life • Buddhist Chronicles • Software (Upasampadā: 24th June, 1979)
Re: My foot keeps falling asleep
Get a pillow. I was never able to sit comfortably after slouching all through high school.