Hyperventilation & Tetany - what is this all about?
Hyperventilation in breathwork
Side effects of deep & fast breathing
Breathwork, especially the intense forms, can bring about physical and emotional reactions that might surprise you. One common side effect of deep, fast breathing is hyperventilation, often leading to a condition called tetany.
what is hyperventilation?
Hyperventilation occurs when a person breathes more than their body requires. This form of over-breathing reduces carbon dioxide levels in the blood, leading to an alkalizing effect in the body. As a result, the body responds with physical symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and sometimes muscular cramps. The medical term for these cramps is tetany, which can manifest as painful spasms in the muscles and joints, most commonly in the hands, lips, or feet.
While these sensations may be uncomfortable for some, others describe them as an intense channel of energy—a powerful experience within the Breathwork journey. In fact, approximately 30-50% of breathwork participants experience tetany at some point, though not everyone does.
tetany: a healing potential
Some Breathwork practitioners may view hyperventilation as something to avoid, believing that tetany serves as a distraction from emotional processing. However, Dr. Stanislav Grof, the founder of Holotropic Breathwork, challenges this idea. He explains:
“The psychosomatic response to faster breathing, the hyperventilation syndrome, is considered a pathological condition, rather than what it really is—a process that has enormous healing potential. What seems to happen is that faster breathing creates a biochemical situation in the body that facilitates the emergence of old emotional and physical tensions associated with unresolved psychological and physical traumas.”
In other words, tetany can bring unresolved emotions to the surface, offering a unique opportunity for healing and release. It’s more than just a physical reaction; it’s a doorway into deeper self-discovery.
does tetany happen to everyone?
Not everyone experiences tetany. It’s more than just a medical response—it’s part of your body’s natural way of releasing stored tension. For those who do encounter it, tetany typically begins in the hands or feet and can be managed through conscious breathing. Many participants find that after pushing through the initial discomfort, they achieve a profound sense of relaxation and emotional release.
managing tetany in breathwork
While tetany can feel intense, it’s temporary and not harmful. Here are some tips for handling it during a breathwork session:
Trust the Process: Behind the discomfort lies healing. Continuing to breathe through the sensations can lead to a heightened state of consciousness and a sense of inner peace.
Feel Through the Pain: Embrace the experience rather than resist it. Often, tetany resolves once emotional or physical release occurs.
Regain Control: If it becomes too much, slow your breathing down, ground yourself, and then re-engage in deeper breathing once you’re ready.
The experience varies in length from a few seconds to several minutes, but it will always pass. Many breathers report feeling a deep sense of relaxation and relief afterward, as the tension that was once trapped is finally released.
A body’s natural release mechanism
Why does tetany happen at all? The body uses these physical sensations to bring stuck energy to the surface. The tension built up in your hands or feet is your body’s way of releasing the emotional or energetic blockages. Once this tension is maximized and released, many participants describe a feeling of deep relaxation or even mystical insight.
tips for dealing with tentany
Relax: Remind yourself that you are okay. When tetany occurs, come back to your breath.
Slow Down: Pause for a few minutes, reduce the intensity of your breath, and then return when ready.
Make Some Noise: A sigh, shout, or even laughter can help channel and release the built-up energy.
Move: Shake your hands, legs, or body—whatever feels natural—to direct the breath where it’s needed most.
"Breath is the link between mind and body." — Sufi quote
Breathing is safe!
Breathing is always safe. While hyperventilation and tetany may cause temporary discomfort, these side effects are part of the breathwork experience. Rather than fearing them, breathers are encouraged to stay present, keep breathing, and trust in the process. Remember, the body knows exactly what to do.
By fully engaging with these sensations, you open yourself to the transformative potential of Breathwork.
For more information on Breathwork sessions, visit www.nafas.life/breathwork