Meditation Sickness: Why Do I Feel Ill?

Feeling sick after meditation is not uncommon, and there are several reasons why this may occur. The cause could be physical, such as the way you are sitting or lying down, or even something being pinched inside your body. It could also be due to hyperventilation, which can cause lightheadedness and tingling in the limbs and lips. Additionally, meditation practices that focus on moving energy around and through the body can result in dizziness, extreme body temperature changes, and intense pressure in the third eye and crown chakras. Furthermore, some people experience nausea during meditation due to the technique they are using or because they are not yet experienced enough for a particular practice. In some cases, feeling sick after meditation may be a sign of underlying psychological or emotional issues, and it is recommended to seek guidance from a qualified teacher or mental health professional if the symptoms persist.

Meditation sickness: a state of detachment and loss of interest in things that once brought joy

Meditation Sickness: Detachment and Loss of Interest

Meditation sickness, or "zen sickness", is a state of mental health characterised by detachment and a loss of interest in things that once brought joy. This concept, which originates from Eastern Buddhist traditions, highlights the negative side effects of meditation practices. While meditation is generally a positive experience, it is important to acknowledge that it can also lead to undesirable outcomes in some cases.

Experts and Buddhist masters have described meditation sickness as a consequence of immersing oneself too fully in mindfulness meditation. The expectation of achieving inner stillness and a completely clear mind can be detrimental, as it is not attainable for most people. This can result in feelings of deflation and a sense of being "zoned out". Additionally, meditation sickness can manifest as psychotic effects, anxiety, panic attacks, and volatile emotions.

The experience of meditation sickness can vary across different cultures. In some cultures, the unpleasant side effects of frequent meditation are seen as signs of progress and are even sought after. In contrast, other cultures may view these side effects as hindrances to the practice. It is important to recognise that meditation is a highly individual experience, and the impact it has on a person can depend on various factors.

To prevent or cure meditation sickness, one may need to stop meditating altogether or significantly reduce the time spent on the practice. It is crucial to strike a balance between meditation and other aspects of life. Additionally, ensuring physical comfort during meditation, such as being well-fed, hydrated, and in a suitable position, can also help mitigate negative experiences.

In conclusion, meditation sickness is a state of detachment and loss of interest that can occur when meditation is overemphasised or practised excessively. By understanding the potential risks and maintaining a balanced approach, individuals can avoid the negative consequences and harness the benefits of meditation effectively.

Physical discomfort: nausea, dizziness, headaches, body temperature changes, etc

Meditation sickness is a recognised phenomenon, and physical discomfort is a common symptom. This can include nausea, dizziness, headaches, and changes in body temperature.

Nausea and dizziness can be caused by low blood pressure. Meditation lowers blood pressure, and if you are already prone to low blood pressure, it could be lowered too far, resulting in nausea and dizziness. It is recommended that you consult a doctor if you experience these symptoms.

There are several other possible causes of nausea during meditation. One is that meditation increases your awareness, which can bring uncomfortable sensations to the surface. When we consider the mind-body connection and how emotions store tension in the body, it becomes understandable how mindfulness may force us to address residual emotions, trauma, and pain.

Another cause could be that meditation triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms you down after excitement or stress. If you have been experiencing chronic stress, the sympathetic nervous system may not have had a chance to regulate you back to homeostasis. When you start meditating and sitting in silence for prolonged periods, you are letting your body rest and recover, which can lead to fatigue or sickness.

Additionally, meditation can bring up new or stronger emotions, which can be overwhelming and lead to physical discomfort.

To help alleviate physical discomfort during meditation, try meditating with your eyes open, lying down, or doing a body scan meditation. Make sure you are not overheating, and remove a layer or sit by a breeze before you start. You can also try shorter or less intense meditations and adapt your session to suit your needs, such as skipping a body part during a body scan meditation or focusing on an object instead of your breath.

Hyperventilation: deep or shallow breathing causing a drop in carbon dioxide

Hyperventilation, also known as overbreathing, is a possible cause of feeling sick after meditation. It involves breathing rapidly and deeply, which can lead to a drop in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This imbalance between oxygen and carbon dioxide can result in various symptoms, including nausea and dizziness, which may contribute to the feeling of sickness.

During hyperventilation, the body takes in too much oxygen and exhales too much carbon dioxide. This excess breathing leads to low carbon dioxide levels in the blood, causing symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and numbness. It is important to note that you might not always be aware of breathing quickly and deeply, but the resulting symptoms can be noticeable.

The physical act of meditation may contribute to hyperventilation. Certain meditation techniques that focus on deep breathing or specific breathing patterns could potentially trigger hyperventilation in some individuals. Additionally, the mental aspects of meditation, such as increased awareness of bodily sensations, could make you more attuned to the physical symptoms associated with hyperventilation.

To alleviate hyperventilation, the goal is to raise the level of carbon dioxide in the blood. This can be achieved by breathing through pursed lips, as if blowing out a candle, or by covering the mouth and breathing through one nostril at a time. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation itself, can also help prevent hyperventilation by reducing anxiety and stress, which are common triggers.

While meditation is often beneficial, it is important to be mindful of potential challenges. Feeling sick after meditation could be related to hyperventilation caused by specific breathing techniques or increased awareness of bodily sensations. Understanding the causes and knowing how to address them can help create a more positive and comfortable meditation experience.

Underlying issues: physical or psychological disorders, stress, or past trauma

Feeling sick after meditation could be a sign of underlying physical or psychological disorders. It is important to listen to your body and be mindful of any unusual symptoms. If you experience nausea, dizziness, headaches, anxiety, or panic attacks during or after meditation, it is recommended to seek medical advice to rule out any potential health issues.

One possible explanation for feeling sick after meditation is stress and overwhelming emotions. Meditation can bring up suppressed emotions and increase awareness of thoughts and feelings. If you have a traumatic past, it may be beneficial to speak to a mental health professional or therapist to process these emotions in a safe and healthy way.

Additionally, meditation may not be suitable for everyone, and in some cases, it can exacerbate existing mental health conditions or trigger past trauma. It is important to be cautious and aware of any negative impacts on your well-being. If you experience negative thoughts or emotions during meditation, it may be a sign to adjust your practice or seek alternative techniques that better suit your needs.

The way you meditate can also impact how you feel afterward. Factors such as your posture, breathing technique, and the type of meditation you practice can contribute to feeling sick. It is recommended to ensure you are comfortable, well-fed, and hydrated before meditating. Additionally, starting with shorter sessions and gradually increasing the duration and intensity can help you find a balance that works for you.

Technique: intense practices, focusing too much on breathing, or incorrect posture

Feeling sick after meditating is not uncommon, and there are a few reasons why this might be happening. One of the reasons could be related to the technique you are using, including intense practices, focusing too much on breathing, or incorrect posture.

Firstly, if you are engaging in intense meditation practices, it may be beneficial to scale back and try less intense techniques. Intense practices designed to help the body rid itself of toxins may result in nausea. It is important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. Start with shorter, less intense sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity as you become more comfortable.

Secondly, while focusing on your breath is a crucial aspect of meditation, over-focusing on your breathing can lead to hyperventilation and a disruption in your body's natural balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea. Try to maintain a natural and relaxed breathing pattern during your practice.

Finally, your physical posture during meditation can also impact how you feel. Sitting or lying down in a way that restricts blood flow or puts pressure on certain parts of your body can lead to discomfort and sickness. Ensure that you are practising in a comfortable position that allows for proper blood flow and doesn't strain any part of your body.

It is important to note that meditation should be tailored to your individual needs and comfort level. Start slowly, listen to your body, and make adjustments as needed. If you continue to experience negative side effects, consider seeking guidance from a qualified meditation teacher or mentor.

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