If you’ve ever flowed through a vinyasa only to be stopped by a sharp twinge in your wrist, you’re not alone. Wrist pain is one of the most common complaints among yoga practitioners—especially in poses that put pressure on the hands like Downward Dog, Plank, and Chaturanga. But here’s the thing: it’s not really about the wrists.
In truth, wrist pain often signals a deeper imbalance in how energy and alignment are flowing through your body. When the spine is compressed or the nervous system is tense, the wrists end up bearing the burden. Yoga isn’t just physical—it’s energetic. Many postures are designed to stretch and awaken the nerves along the spine, creating space for fresh prana (life force energy) to move freely. If that pathway is blocked, tension shows up elsewhere—like in the wrists.