Yoga Beginners How to Prevent a Head Rush in Yoga Class By Ann Pizer twitter linkedin Ann Pizer is a writer and registered yoga instructor who teaches vinyasa/flow and prenatal yoga classes. Learn about our editorial process Ann Pizer Reviewed by Reviewed by Sara Clark on April 20, 2020 facebook instagram Sara Clark is an EYT 500-hour certified Vinyasa yoga and mindfulness teacher, lululemon Global Yoga Ambassador, model, and writer. Learn about our Review Board Sara Clark on April 20, 2020 Print Brand New Images / Digital Vision / Getty Images The medical term for a head rush is orthostatic hypotension. This term describes a sudden drop in blood pressure due to standing up quickly, which can happen often in fast-paced vinyasa classes where you are doing a lot of sun salutations. Symptoms are temporary and commonly include dizziness, blurred vision, and dimmed hearing. Why You Get Dizzy or Lightheaded When You Stand Up Occasionally, head rushes can be symptomatic of a more serious condition and may warrant a trip to the doctor if they are persistent or cause fainting. However, most of the time their effects can be handled with a few behavioral modifications. Drink More Water Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day, especially when you are planning on exercising. Dehydration can sneak up on you and contribute to uncomfortable conditions like head rushes and cramps. Stand Up Slowly If you know you are prone to head rushes, try rising to standing positions more slowly to give your blood pressure time to equalize, particularly if your head had been hanging down for a while, as in a prolonged forward bend. This may make you feel conspicuous in a flow class, but yoga is all about listening to your body first, so your teacher should be ok with everyone going at their own pace. You should definitely explain what you're up to if it happens a lot. A headrush during yoga can cause you to become dizzy and lose your balance. Move slowly when rising or lifting your head, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. Come Back Down If you find yourself getting a head rush, sometimes just bowing your head and tucking your chin toward your chest in a jalandhara bandha position can avert your lightheadedness. If this doesn't work, you can also forward bend into ardha uttanasana until the moment has passed. Eat Properly Before Yoga for More Energy Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! If you've never tried it before, starting a yoga practice can feel overwhelming. Our email series can get you ready to roll out the mat. Sign up and get started today! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit