Blue Toes

[Guy]

Hello,

Lately when I have been meditating my toes have been turning blue. It doesn't last very long, I just rub my toes after I have finished and the circulation is back to normal within a minute or so. I suspect it is nothing serious, probably a combination of the winter weather and a sedentary lifestyle. Maybe I could do some more regular exercise (I have been a bit slack lately) to help with the circulation. Hass anyone else ever had this happen when they meditate, if so what did you do about it?

Thanks,

Guy

[tiltbillings]

How old are you? And what posture are you meditating in? Blue toes are not good.

[Guy]

I am 22. Sometimes on a chair, sometimes "burmese posture".

[tiltbillings]

I am 22. Sometimes on a chair, sometimes "burmese posture".

Damdfino what to say. You are obviously cutting off circulation. Toes go blue in both postures?

[Guy]

Actually, only in the chair now I think about it.

[tiltbillings]

Actually, only in the chair now I think about it.

You are cutting off circulation and your feet are in a dependent position that also can inhibit circulation. Try a different chair, and if the burmese posture is workable, I'd use that, and of course there is always the highly underrrated walking meditation. Others here may have other suggestions.

[Guy]

Hi Tilt,

Thanks for the advice, I will definitely try your suggestions and let you know how it goes.

With Metta,

Guy

[Ben]

Hi Guy
Firstly, attend to the exercise if you're not getting any.
Also, look at your posture and adjust if necessary. You maybe inadvertently cutting off circulation to your feet.
Kind regards

Ben

[Guy]

Hi Tilt and Ben,

Thanks for the suggestions. I used a different chair, paid more attention to my posture making sure it was relaxed (I probably have been a bit too forceful and insensitive at times), wore socks, sat in a warmer room than I normally do (usually I sit in the coldest room in the house barefeet), plus I did some exercise - not sure which of these things worked but I will keep practicing in this way and I'll update if symptoms return.

Thanks again for your help,

Guy

[Individual]

Hello,

Lately when I have been meditating my toes have been turning blue. It doesn't last very long, I just rub my toes after I have finished and the circulation is back to normal within a minute or so. I suspect it is nothing serious, probably a combination of the winter weather and a sedentary lifestyle. Maybe I could do some more regular exercise (I have been a bit slack lately) to help with the circulation. Hass anyone else ever had this happen when they meditate, if so what did you do about it?

Thanks,

Guy

If there is any loss of circulation in the feet or legs -- even simply tingling or numbness (blue toes is an extreme sign of circulation loss) -- you should change your position. This can especially be a problem if you are overweight and have thick legs. It's best to avoid the lotus positions or even sitting cross-legged ("Indian style"), and instead sit in the Burmese posture: one leg resting in front of the other. It may also be best to sit with a cushion or do meditation in a chair.

[Guy]

Hi Individual,

I am underweight, if anything, so maybe it's my bony structure that is cutting off the blood flow.

With Metta,

Guy