Meditation Heats Up: Why Do I Feel Hot?

Feeling hot during meditation is a common experience, and there are several reasons why this might occur. One explanation is that when the body and mind come together during meditation, some people will feel tired, some will feel energised, some will feel hot, and others will feel cold. These temperature sensations can be linked to our emotions, and meditation can bring up old emotions that have not been processed. Additionally, when we relax, the blood vessels in our skin can open up and warm our bodies. Localised body heat is also a byproduct of the normalisation process in meditation, and it can be a sign that something positive is happening.

It's a reflection of your emotional state

Meditation is a practice that brings our emotions to the surface. When we meditate, we may experience a range of emotions, from anger and shame to anxiety and fear. These emotions are often linked to temperature sensations in our bodies. For example, feeling angry or upset might make us feel hot, while anxiety or fear could lead to a feeling of coldness.

Our emotional state during meditation can be influenced by current events or situations in our lives. However, it's important to note that through the process of meditation, we might also bring up older emotions that we have not fully processed. These emotions could be from past traumas or stresses that are only now being released. As a result, we may experience unusual sensations during meditation, such as localized body heat or a distorted sense of body symmetry.

If you're feeling hot during meditation, it could be a sign that you're bringing these buried emotions to the surface. Instead of trying to ignore or suppress these emotions, try to embrace them and face them head-on. Ask yourself why you're feeling this way and make peace with your emotions. By doing so, you can harness the power of meditation to let go of the past and move forward.

It's important to remember that meditation is a personal journey, and everyone's experience is unique. The temperature changes and emotional responses you may feel during meditation are normal and can be expected. With continued practice, you will become better at controlling these sensations and understanding your emotional state. So, instead of fighting the heat, try to stay present and carry on with your meditation practice. Embrace the process of self-discovery and emotional release that meditation offers.

Energy is moving through your body

Feeling hot during meditation is quite a common experience. It can be caused by a range of factors, including the time of day, the room temperature, clothing, and bed covers. However, one of the most significant reasons for feeling hot during meditation is the movement of energy through the body.

When we meditate, we are often trying to direct our energy upward through various techniques. This movement of energy can cause our body temperature to rise, resulting in feelings of warmth or even sweating. It is important to note that not everyone experiences this sensation in the same way, and some people may feel cold during meditation due to the flow of energy.

The intensity of the heat can vary, ranging from gentle warmth to uncomfortable hotness. For some people, the heat may be localized in certain body parts, such as the hands and feet, which can also feel tingly. While this experience can be unsettling, it is generally not something to worry about. It is simply a byproduct of the normalization process in meditation, as our bodies and minds come together in a way they usually don't during the day.

If you are feeling uncomfortably hot during meditation, there are a few things you can do. First, try to identify the reason for the heat. Are you tense, or is your breathing incorrect? Focusing on relaxing your body and breathing deeply can help reduce tension and regulate your body temperature. Additionally, you can try cooling down the room, wearing fewer layers, or turning on a fan to make your physical environment more comfortable.

It is important to remember that meditation is a continual and lifelong practice. As you meditate more often, you will become better at controlling the sensations you feel, including the intensity of the heat. So, if you are experiencing intense heat during meditation, don't worry—it is normal, and with time and practice, you will be able to manage it better.

You're tense

Feeling hot during meditation is quite a common experience, and there are several reasons why this might be happening. One of the reasons could be that you are feeling tense.

Meditation is all about relaxing and breathing correctly. If you are feeling tense, it could be linked to not being able to focus on deep breaths and long exhales. This tension can cause your body to retain heat.

To combat this, it is important to go back to the basics of relaxing and breathing. Practice deep breathing and relaxation throughout the day, even when you are not meditating. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel, and the easier it will be to achieve a meditative state.

Before beginning your meditation practice, tense your body and then immediately relax. This will equalize the flow of tension throughout your body and help you release tensions you might not even be aware of.

Additionally, you can try specific breathing exercises to help you relax. Inhale slowly, counting to twelve, hold your breath for the same count, and then exhale slowly for twelve counts. This is one round of "regular breathing". Aim to do six to nine rounds, adjusting the count as needed to make it comfortable for you.

By focusing on relaxation and correct breathing, you can help reduce tension and, in turn, reduce the feeling of heat during your meditation practice.

You're not breathing correctly

Breathing plays a key role in meditation. It also plays a key role in regulating our core temperature. If you're not breathing correctly, it might be causing your body to retain heat.

Mindful breathing during meditation requires you to pay close attention to your first few breaths to lower your heart rate and relax your mind and body. Then you need to transition to natural breathing. This is where some people new to meditation find it difficult to allow their breathing to carry on naturally while they focus on their meditation.

If you're not breathing correctly, you might also be tense, which is often linked to not being able to focus on breathing in deep breaths and letting out a long exhale.

Try getting back to the basics of relaxing and breathing. Practice while not in a meditative state throughout the day; the more you practice, the more natural it'll feel.

Tips to Stay Cool While Meditating

If sweating or getting too hot is becoming uncomfortable or distracting, try the following:

• Work on your breathing – spend a few minutes throughout the day working on taking big deep breaths. You'll find it helps relax you each time, too! It just comes down to practice.
• Think about your position – if you currently lay down, try sitting. Having your body flat on a bed will retain more heat than sitting upright.
• Sit closer to an open window, too, so you have a breeze coming in.

It's normal and nothing to worry about

Feeling hot during meditation is a common experience and is not something to worry about. It is often linked to our emotions, which can cause us to feel hot or cold. For example, anger or upset might make us feel hot, whereas anxiety or fear might make us feel cold. When we meditate, we can unearth older emotions that we have not yet processed, and this can cause us to feel hot.

It is also possible that you are tense or not breathing correctly during meditation, which can cause your body to retain heat. Meditation is a practice, and as you continue, you will become better at controlling these sensations. You can also try to identify the cause of the heat and address it. For example, if you are tense, focus on relaxing, and if you are not breathing correctly, go back to the basics of deep breathing.

Feeling hot during meditation is a normal part of the process, and it is important to stay present and carry on with your practice. It is a sign that you are doing something right, and as you continue to meditate, the sensation should lessen over time.

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