Yoga Poses: A Double-Edged Sword

It’s a bit of a conundrum for many yoga enthusiasts.

While yoga offers numerous health benefits, like improving posture and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases, there are some poses that might actually increase your susceptibility to strokes. That’s concerning, particularly since a stroke is a serious condition that disrupts blood flow to the brain.

Experts, including Triple Board Certified Neurologists, caution that certain yoga positions can pose significant risks. Dr. Jeremy M. Liff from NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine noted, “Interestingly, while some yoga practices aid in recovery after a stroke, others can inadvertently lead to one by damaging arteries in the neck.”

When the wall of the neck artery tears, blood can enter this damaged area and form a clot, which may travel to the brain, causing a stroke.

It’s noteworthy that arterial dissection of the neck accounts for 1% to 2% of all strokes, and it can be even more prevalent—up to 25%—among younger individuals. An example includes a 63-year-old man reported to have suffered arterial dissection after a yoga session.

Such incidents can occur for various reasons, and it’s crucial to recognize the risks associated with specific yoga movements, particularly those that involve extreme neck positions or put pressure on the spine. This can be especially dangerous for older adults or those with pre-existing cervical issues, according to Liff.

Let’s examine three specific yoga poses that have been linked to strokes.

Wheel Pose

In a groundbreaking 1973 case report, a 28-year-old woman experienced a stroke due to a stenosis in her left spinal artery after executing the “wheel” pose.

This backbend, also known as upward bow or urdhva dhanurasana, is typically designed to enhance flexibility and strength across various muscle groups.

Fish Pose

The “fish” pose, or Matsyasana, involves reclining while bending backward.

Physiotherapist Susan Eaton mentioned she encountered difficulties while performing an advanced version of the pose that added substantial weight to her neck and head.

She later cautioned about the dangers of excessive neck extension in this pose, expressing her concerns to NBC News after experiencing a stroke just days later, which resulted in a tear in her left carotid artery.

Hollow Handstand

Yoga influencer Rebecca Lee shared her experience with intensive handstand practices that led to blurred vision.

This particular pose requires significant neck stretching and inversion, which can be taxing on the body. After feeling unwell, she found herself in the emergency room, facing the uncomfortable reality of tearing her right carotid artery.

“The doctor informed me, ‘You’ve had a stroke,'” Lee recounted. It left her grappling with the shock of facing such a serious health crisis after years of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Before diving headfirst into any exercise regime, especially yoga, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional, particularly if you have any underlying health conditions.

In the U.S., statistics suggest that over 795,000 individuals are projected to suffer a stroke this year. Symptoms can include difficulties with balance, vision, speech, and may even lead to facial numbness.

It’s worth noting that factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can elevate stroke risk, as can lifestyle choices such as smoking, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption.