Perhaps you have heard the word “tetany” thrown around in Breathwork circles, or maybe you experienced some of the common symptoms during your session and you want to know why.

This article aims to provide you with the real reason why tetany occurs during breathwork, what to do in a session if you experience it, and why safety and support should be the first consideration when choosing a breathwork practitioner to work with.

So what is Tetany?

In science terms, tetany occurs in the body when there is an imbalance of oxygen (02) to carbon-dioxide (C02). When our bloodstream receives a lower amount of C02, our pH levels will then increase and become more alkaline. Our veins will then contract (as they rely in C02 to stay open) - and that then leads to the characteristic symptoms of tetany.

What are the symptoms of Tetany?

The most common characteristics of tetany are cramping, tightening, tingling, or numbing sensations - usually felt in the hands and feet, but can also occur in other areas of the body, like the jaw.

It is a very common occurance and people often experience it in their first couple of sessions. It will generally subside on its own as the body adapts to the physiological changes, and the breather feels safe to surrender and let go.

What do I do if I experience Tetany in Breathwork?

Firstly, do not panic. There is nothing to fear. This is a very common physiological response and is only temporary.

Tetany can be experienced at different levels of intensity for each person and can vary each session. Some don’t experience it at all. We are all unique.

Secondly, if the Tetany is becoming too much you can do the following:

• Slow down your breathing. Nice slow breaths in and out.

• Allow you exhale to fall rather than force it out.

• Invite in gentle movement (shaking, stretching, rubbing etc) to the areas when you first notice the symptoms.

• Focus on remembering you are safe and its only temporary.

• Roll onto your left side (heart side closest to the ground) keeping your breath connected. This helps to down regulate your body and will naturally slow your breathing over time.

The third option is one that is recommended to experienced breathworkers, or those who choose to take up the challenge to surrender to the sensations and breathe through it.

This often opens up the mind to go deeper and the opportunity to ask yourself what is your body revealing to you in that moment. Whatever it is, the likelihood is that it is keeping you in a state of resistance and preventing you from surrendering and letting go.

What can occur once the breather has surrendered and let go of this resistance, as popping relief sensation is felt (not always) and the body instantly relaxes and the sensations leave.

Why is choosing to work with a trained Breathwork Practitioner/Facilitator important?

Safety is the upmost priority in breathwork. Without it, our nervous system will not feel supported enough to start to shift out of fight/flight/freeze (survival mode) and move into a rest/digest state.

By working with a trained professional, they will be able to easily recognise the signs of tetany and have a toolkit of facilitations to support you to move through it. Because hey, sometimes we all need the guidance and support of others whilst we move through our challenges.

They will also be able to answer any questions or realisations you have pre/post session.

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If you need additional guidance on how to manage tetany in your breathwork sessions, or would like to book a breathwork session with Unearthed - send us a message on the gram!