What does Breathwork do in the body?
Ultimate Guide to the physical reactions in our body during Breathwork
Is Breathwork dangerous? Why do my hand cramps during Breathwork? These are some of the most common questions I receive as a Breathwork Practitioner. This article is intended to bring a little more understanding behind the mystical experience of this breathing technique:
Conscious connected Breathwork, Rebirthing or Holotropic Breathwork often has something mystical. Sensations are perceived in the body that may never have been felt before. But what exactly is happening in the body during a breathwork session?
Oxygen Exchange when Breathing
When we breathe, the exchange of oxygen O2 and CO2 happens through our lungs and bloodstreams. When we inhale the air flows into the most little part of our lungs, the alveoli, and enter the bloodstream. The same way the carbon dioxide CO2 exits our body. This happens “automatically”, meaning we breathe without us having to think about it every in- and exhale. During hyperventilation we breathe in more oxygen (O2) than we actually need. But since the natural O2 level in our blood is already between 96-99%, breathing more does not deposit more oxygen in our blood (it’s like a full glass that doesn’t have more room even if you put more water in it). So not more oxygen is taken in but the carbon dioxide CO2 level is broken down. Since CO2 is responsible for the detoxification of our body, the blood becomes more alkaline, which can be seen as a positive effect of hyperventilation.
Important note: Hyperventilation and breath holding should never be practiced in or just before entering the water, exactly because of this change in CO2 level!
Commonly known symptoms of hyperventilation
The first symptom experienced by 95% of the participants is a tingling sensation in the hands. This sensation can extend to the face, feet and the whole body.
Also experienced a lot is a change in their body temperature. This can vary from shivering cold to sweating.
Depending on the person and the Breathwork Session, the following other phenomenas, called symptoms of hyperventilation, may occur:
- The exchange of oxygen in the blood can lead to cramps in the hands (hyperventilation tetany). Usually the joints of the hands and fingers bend, and the thumb is tightened (“T-Rex or chicken hands”). This is usually painless but can cause a bit of uncertainty the first time. However, there is no need to worry, as the hands sometimes relax already during connected breathing or at the latest after the session.
- Likewise, a tense jaw may occur. So that the mouth contracts. Again, the body relaxes as soon as normal breathing is resumed.
- There may be a symptom of numb or restless legs. In this case it helps to move the hips back and forth a little and to shake out the legs. Likewise, the facilitator comes into play in this case and helps the breather to mobilise the lower body with bodywork.
- More rarely, there is cramping of the muscles and trembling all over the body. The trembling can also be seen as an energetic discharge.
Breathwork on a cellular level
In reference to Holotropic Breathwork, we often speak of transformation into the last part of our cells. This is not some spiritual chatter but a so-called discharge on the cellular level actually takes place.
The concentration of carbon dioxide CO2 decreases and so the environment of the cell is changed by any kind of hyperventilation. This is perceived as a threat at the cellular level. This reaction takes place at 3 levels:
- There is a reduction in metabolism, which may extend to a complete cessation (carbon dioxide reduction).
- The cell contracts (cell constriction).
- The cell releases emotional charge contained in it. This emotional charge now gets space and is brought into consciousness. The associated transmitters are also released (including norepinephrine). At the same time, due to the voluntary hyperventilation, the executive network central in the brain is enormously activated. The associated transmitters are also released here (including dopamine).
Altered state of consciousness
Breathwork is often compared to a psychedelic trip. Even though a holotropic or connected breathing session is much shorter and you can stop at any time, for many it is an intense and unexplainable experience.
The accelerated breath stimulates the hypothalamus in the brain and endorphins are released in the body. As the endorphins kick in, the brain loses more and more control, although it still tries to fight it for the first few minutes. The body then feels electrified, as if it is bursting with energy. This can apply to the whole body or only to a specific area.
Breathwork can also release the natural DMT in the body. Therefore, the experience of an altered state of consciousness can actually take place. This can take the form of visions or great realizations, for example.
Emotions during Breathwork
Breath and emotions are closely linked. Try holding your breath for a longer period of time and feeling light and happy, most likely this gets tricky after a while. Free flowing breath is the embodiment of the feeling of freedom and lightness. Breathing means life metaphorically.
At this moment the body begins to open, emotions and energies can move freely through the body and be discharged. An emotional discharge often takes place in the form of tears, but can also be released through laughter, screaming and so on.
In general, conscious breathing (not just hyperventilation) helps heal anxiety and depression and provides more emotional peace in the body & mind.
The breather becomes more emotionally resilient each time and learns to stay in the state of consciousness without drifting into dissociation (for example, when heavy emotions arise). This also allows very old experiences and traumas to be brought into the present and to self-heal.
At the end of a Breathwork session, feelings of deep connection, trust and gratitude are often described. The breath creates clarity and invigorates body, soul and spirit.
To conclude
Each Breathwork experience is completely individual and unique. Physical symptoms will change. Likewise, it cannot be predicted what memories as well as feelings will emerge during the session.
Connected or holotropic breathing is a good addition to a pranayama (yogic breathing) practice as well as psychological therapy.
Got curious and would like to book a private Breathwork session? Or would you like to add anything to the guide? Please contact me per email under info@breathwork.com
