Foot/Leg numbness

[Jundo]

I will find an appropriate photo very soon.

Gassho, Matt
Sat today!

Looks like you did! Thank you, Matt.

Gassho, Jundo

stlah

[Ankai]

Hi. I'm just one of the local monks, and not a teacher, but, if it's info you can use... I have some serious neuro- issues. I have to change things up a lot. I will sometimes use two zafu... Stacked, but with the top one resting at an angle on the bottom one. Then, I can sit Burmese style.
I've also used a seiza bench to sit in that position- it works! Then, of course, there's using the seiza bench to kneel, as intended. When I'm in rough shape, I use a shower stool... The kind for people with disabilities, which I got (cheap!) At a pharmacy. It's portable and adjustable, and the round seat fits a zafu. I use it with the legs lowered all the way and my cushion on it.
I don't know if any of that helps but I hope so. I can post pictures if I didn't describe what I'm talking about well.
����������
ST/LAH
- Ankai

[usuallymatt]

I'm replying back in this this thread to report back after a few successful sits since speaking with Bion. Usually my sits are 25 minutes and on a numbness scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is I dare not stand for fear of falling over I'd been experiencing a 6 or 7.
Since considering all the tips Bion has given me my sits have been more like a 1 or a 2 and I'm very pleased. I did a 30 minute sit with the sangha today and was able to walk away with almost 0 numbness.
Having said all that I'd like to share what I think are the main pieces of advice I received in case others have the same issue:
Position on cushion - I'm now a little further forward on the cushion than I used to be

Stretches prior to begining sit - leaning towards the knee on both sides of my body just before a sit and also just afterwards prior to standing up

Back posture - I now lean a little bit forward taking the weight off my backside

Fluffing up my cushion before each sit. I had not been doing this thinking it best to leave the shape of my backside in the cushion from the previous sit. Now I give it a good knock against the zabuton before each sit

I'm sure a combination of all the above helped me and I'd like to thank Bion and suggest others use these tips if experiencing leg/foot numbness.

Gassho, Matt.
ST

[Bion]

I'm replying back in this this thread to report back after a few successful sits since speaking with Bion. Usually my sits are 25 minutes and on a numbness scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is I dare not stand for fear of falling over I'd been experiencing a 6 or 7.
Since considering all the tips Bion has given me my sits have been more like a 1 or a 2 and I'm very pleased. I did a 30 minute sit with the sangha today and was able to walk away with almost 0 numbness.
Having said all that I'd like to share what I think are the main pieces of advice I received in case others have the same issue:
Position on cushion - I'm now a little further forward on the cushion than I used to be

Stretches prior to begining sit - leaning towards the knee on both sides of my body just before a sit and also just afterwards prior to standing up

Back posture - I now lean a little bit forward taking the weight off my backside

Fluffing up my cushion before each sit. I had not been doing this thinking it best to leave the shape of my backside in the cushion from the previous sit. Now I give it a good knock against the zabuton before each sit

I'm sure a combination of all the above helped me and I'd like to thank Bion and suggest others use these tips if experiencing leg/foot numbness.

Gassho, Matt.
ST

This is a wonderful update! I am happy you were able to find what works for your body! [emoji3526] not falling flat on your face after a sit is indeed desirable haha

Gassho

( sat and lah )

[ChoppingWood]

My legs both go completely to sleep within ~10 minutes of sitting crosslegged. I got a kneeling bench, and that has made a tremendous difference. It sounds like the original poster has resolved his issue, but I wanted to mention that in case someone else was having similar issues that they weren't able to solve through posture.

Gassho,
Dave
Sat / LAH