“It’s so hot out there!” So much of my pre-class chitchat has been about the weather lately. Not just from me, but from so many students who are relieved to be in our non-heated yoga studio. Yes, it’s summer in Virginia, but I’ve had enough of the extreme heat punctuated by wild storms with flash flooding.
My body likes fall, when the air is crisp and the trees display their brilliant yellow, red, and russet leaves. I don’t do well in saunas, so I certainly don’t want to navigate one every time I step outside.
The sudden storms with their rapid pressure shifts have also been triggering migraines, though less than I’d expected. I’ve been able to calm some early symptoms before they spin up, and full-blown migraines have lasted hours instead of days.
Weather and Health Tracking
Just as a meteorologist tracks the weather, I’m always looking for ways to watch out for triggers that will affect my migraines and other health issues. For migraines, my biggest trigger is any sudden shift in the barometric pressure. There’s not much I can do about that, though a few things do help me, like taking daily magnesium and B2 supplements.
It’s too soon to be sure, but I think my recently confirmed POTS diagnosis may also be helping me lessen my migraines. I’ve been using an app on my Apple Watch called TachyMon to track my heart rate and help me find my POTS triggers. (Note: that app isn’t meant to diagnosis or treat POTS. My neurologist confirmed POTS with a tile table test.)
Sadly, chocolate is a clear POTS trigger for me. My chocolate consumption is now way, way down—which could be helping migraines, too. But the biggest change has been in my hydration. I used to drink about 48-64 ounces of water, on a good day. I’m now up to 70-80 ounces, plus added electrolytes and a higher sodium diet.
Those changes are showing a significant decrease in my daily heart rate spikes and drops. Sometimes, I can even go a whole day without my TachyMon app alerting me to a POTS event. (It was previously giving dozens of alerts each day.)
When it comes to chronic conditions like migraines and POTS, everyone has their own triggers. Yet, tracking my symptoms and making some changes seems to be helping. Maybe by the time fall rolls around, I’ll actually have more energy to enjoy my favorite season.
Mini Yoga Break
Since we still have some hot weather ahead, let’s take a look at using breath to cool down. Two pranayama practices that can cool the body are sitali (cooling breath) and sitkari (hissing breath).
Both practices draw air in through your mouth before closing your mouth to breath out from your nose. This cools the air as it passes over your tongue and lets the warmed air back out through your nose.
For sitali, you curl your tongue like a taco. If you can’t curl your tongue (which is a genetic ability) you can use sitkari pranayama instead.
For sitkari, you open your mouth, keeping your teeth lightly together, and draw the air between your teeth. This creates a hissing sound on each inhale.
As with any pranayama, start with your natural breaths and then try just a few rounds of the technique. If it doesn’t feel good, don’t do it. And, if you have health concerns, check with a doctor before trying new breathing techniques. Learn more about these (and other) techniques here.
Writing and/or Yoga Updates
On August 9, 3-7 pm, I’ll be at Blend Coffee Bar for another Blend Book Fair. With over 45 authors, you’re sure to find something for yourself or for a friend. Books make great gifts! And you’ll have a chance to meet me. I hope to see you there!
Throwback Spotlight
Speaking of heat, today’s throwback is to my first ride in a hot air balloon. While I was a little leery at first, it ending up being a memorable adventure. And a great trip to celebrate a friend’s birthday!
Read about it here: What I Learned in a Hot Air Balloon
I'm glad that your stated approach seems to be helping, but I don't know how you can drink that much water.