Tingling or numbness in the hands is usually a sign that blood flow to the nerves is being blocked. It generally happens that when you perform sustained movements for several minutes like maintaining yoga position wherein blood flow can slow down in some of your body parts (depending on the exercise like leg, arms, etc.) due to which numbness and tingling sensations in those parts occur. During an intense workout, up to 85 percent of your blood is directed to your working muscles, and your blood vessels expand to accommodate the increased flow. In addition, tight shoes or clothing also restricts your blood flow and lead to a tingling sensation.
This also happens due to pressure on nerves like when your arm is crooked under your head as you fall sleep, or when you cross your legs too long. In such cases, this numbness / tingling sensations are soon relieved from removing the pressure that caused them. This is also called Paresthesia.
Similarly, another reason can also be a herniated disk in your spine which may lead to numbness in the leg, which may also hinder mobility and balance.
Most of the time, tingling in the legs after exercise is benign and will resolve after a few minutes of rest. The most common cause of tingling in the legs are muscles that are depleted of nutrients due to dehydration and/or electrolyte imbalances.
As soon as you feel some numbness and a tingling sensation in your arms/legs, stop the yogic exercise immediately. Change the position to improve blood flow to the area of tingling sensation. Loosen or remove any tight clothing or pants you may be wearing.
If the tingling is minor and doesn't bother you, it's just fine to go about your day. In that case, first, rest, hydrate and fuel your body with healthy food options to help it repair. Massages, alternating hot and cold showers or icing muscles can also reduce the muscle swelling that can make your legs feel tingly.
But if your tingling doesn't go away after a reasonable amount of time — say, an hour or so after you stop exercising — it's important to consult with your physician if such symptoms are chronic or episodic or severe or without any above-mentioned cause of exercise, as it then may be a sign of pinched nerve, carpel tunnel syndrome or sometimes diabetes.
