Yoga Inversions and Dizziness: Simple Fixes That Work
The Common Mistake
Many people instinctively hold their breath when they feel uncomfortable or unsteady. This stiffens the body and triggers a (mild) panic response, which makes the dizziness worse.
The Practical Fix
Let your circulatory system adjust gradually:
Keep breathing throughout the inversion.
Don’t rush the exit; take longer than you think you need.
Inhale slowly as you return to standing.
This gives the heart and blood vessels time to regulate pressure and keep oxygen flowing steadily to the brain. It works whether you’re in Downward Dog, holding a forward fold, or simply standing up after picking up things from the floor.
Inversions – say Downward Dog – change how blood and fluid move in the body. If you feel dizzy or light-headed when you come back up, it usually comes down to two things:
1. The Giddiness
When the head drops below the heart, gravity shifts the fluid inside the inner ear, which helps you stay balanced. When you stand up too quickly, the fluid needs a moment to settle. That delay is what makes you feel briefly disorientated & a little giddy.
2. The Lightheadedness
Upside down, blood and oxygen rush towards the head. Stand up suddenly, and gravity drags that blood down into the torso and legs before the vascular system can rebalance. For a split second, the brain receives less oxygenated blood. That’s the lightheaded sensation.
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