Yoga Support for Orthostatic Hypotension
Gradual transitions. Breath awareness. Rest when needed. Orthostatic hypotension—the drop in blood pressure when standing—requires careful attention to position changes. Our in-home yoga sessions are adapted to support your comfort and confidence, not to treat the condition.
Important: Yoga is not a treatment or cure for orthostatic hypotension. Always consult your doctor before starting any movement program. Our sessions are supportive and complementary to your medical care.
Understanding Our Approach
With orthostatic hypotension, the primary concern is sudden position changes that can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Our yoga sessions are designed to avoid these triggers while still providing gentle, beneficial movement.
Key Adaptations for Orthostatic Hypotension
- ✓Gradual Seated-to-Standing Progressions
We never go directly from lying down to standing. Instead, we use slow progressions: lying → seated → standing, with pauses at each stage.
- ✓Breath Awareness Before Transitions
Before any position change, we take several conscious breaths. This prepares your body and helps you notice how you're feeling.
- ✓Built-in Rest Intervals
Sessions include frequent pauses. If you feel "off," we rest immediately—no pushing through.
- ✓Posture Support
Gentle alignment cues help improve overall posture, which can support blood flow and circulation.
- ✓Avoiding Inversions & Head-Down Poses
We skip poses that put your head below your heart and could exacerbate symptoms.
What a Session Looks Like
A typical session (45–60 minutes) might include:
- Grounding: Seated breath awareness, body scan
- Seated movement: Gentle stretches, neck/shoulder release
- Gradual transition: Slow move to supported standing (if appropriate)
- Standing work: Balance, posture, gentle strengthening with chair support
- Cool-down: Gradual return to seated, breath focus, relaxation
Some sessions may remain entirely seated if that feels safest. We always prioritize your comfort.
Goals We Support
Our sessions aim to support (not treat):
- Building confidence with movement and transitions
- Maintaining flexibility and gentle strength
- Improving breath awareness and stress management
- Supporting better posture and body awareness
- Providing a safe, positive movement experience
Related Pages
- MSA-C Support — Often co-occurs with OH
- Senior Yoga — Balance and mobility focus
- All Conditions We Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Is yoga safe with orthostatic hypotension?
Gentle, adapted yoga can be supportive when done carefully. Always consult your doctor first. We avoid sudden position changes and use gradual transitions.
What if I feel dizzy during a session?
We stop immediately, return to a comfortable seated or lying position, and wait until you feel stable. Sessions are paced to minimize this risk.
Can I do yoga if I take medication for blood pressure?
Many clients manage their condition with medication. Share your medications with us and your doctor. We adapt timing and intensity accordingly.
How long are sessions?
45–60 minutes, but we can adjust based on your energy and tolerance. Shorter sessions are always an option.
Ready to Move with More Confidence?
Book a free 15-minute call to discuss your situation and see if we can help.
Book a Free Intro Session