Hand Pain during Yoga, Esp Down Dog

Fitness_4_Jess

To be honest it has been a while since I have done Yoga and I do not doubt that could be part of the problem. With that said, I will sometimes feel a little pain the the middle of my right palm while doing yoga-generally while doing downward facing dog. I am right-handed and work in an office where I type, write, and do other things with that hand.

When I feel it I take a mental survey of how well I am maintaining down-dog and if I am doing it correctly. My fingers are a little spread to provide a steady base and I try not to let my weight stay too much on the outside or insides of my hands from wavering balance.

Does anyone else have the same thing? Pointers, tips, ideas?

Apocalypse_Meow

Spread your hands so that your thumbs are pointing toward each other and your index fingers are rotated inward just a bit and press into your hand right around where the fingers meet the hand.

PandaCustard

I usually balance myself on the inside of my palm, that is more on the fleshy part of the hand below the thumb. Same with your feet and knees (for other poses). If you focus your balance on the inside of your limbs your body takes some strain off your limbs and you can balance easier. I'm far from a yoga expert but this has helped me a lot.

yoginimary

Only on your right hand? Do you use a mouse a lot? Does it feel a little like a stretch or does it feel more sharp?

I would try putting more weight on the left hand, as you might be putting too much pressure on the right. Another thing to try is something like crow pose or handstand (even just the beginning stages) to see if the angle of the pose has anything to do with the pain.

Hope that helps.

southernyogini

I would suggest turning the palms out slightly to reduce direct pressure. Also placing a towel under your palms help; if you have very sweaty palms and not a grippy mat your palms are striving to grip the mat and overuses muscles. Also, it takes time to strengthen the wrists. When I first started yoga in 2005 I couldn't hold down dog for too long; from weak wrists and being on the computer most of my career. It does get better with time.
Good Luck!