Why Do You Feel Tingling During Breathwork?

If you’ve ever felt a strange tingling sensation creeping into your hands and feet during a breathwork session, you’re not alone. Maybe your fingers even curled up slightly, resembling what some call the “breathwork claw.” It’s natural to wonder why this happens and whether it’s something to worry about. Let’s break it down.

The Science Behind Breathwork Tingling

First, rest assured—this sensation, known as tetany, is normal and harmless. Tetany is a temporary feeling of tingling, tightness, or even cramping in the extremities, most often in the hands and feet. It’s common during breathwork that involves rapid or deep breathing, and it fades once your breathing returns to normal.

Here’s why it happens:

• During intense breathing sessions, especially those involving hyperventilation, the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in your blood drops.

• Low CO2 causes your blood vessels to constrict, which may lead to the tingling or cramping sensation, similar than when holding your breath.

• As CO2 levels drop, your blood pH rises, making your body slightly more alkaline (source).

This physiological response isn’t harmful; it’s simply how your body reacts to changes in CO2 and pH levels during breathwork.

The Spiritual View of Tetany

From a more introspective perspective, tetany might symbolize an emotional or energetic release. Some believe that tension in the body, particularly in the hands and feet, can be tied to unprocessed emotions or past traumas. During breathwork, the changes in your body may stir up this “stuck” energy, bringing it to the surface to be released.

In this context, the cramping or tingling may represent the body’s way of letting go—or holding on to—emotional or energetic blocks. While this interpretation isn’t scientifically measurable, many find it a meaningful way to explore what their body and breath are trying to communicate.

Whether you lean towards the scientific or spiritual explanation (or both!), tetany is a reminder that breathwork is a dynamic process, engaging both the body and the mind.

Managing Overwhelming Tetany

Even though tetany is harmless, it can feel uncomfortable or even unsettling if you’re not prepared for it. If the sensation becomes overwhelming, there are ways to ease it:

1. Switch to Nasal Breathing: Gently transition to slower, nasal breathing to bring your CO2 levels back to normal and calm your system.

2. Stretch and Release Tension: Lightly stretch your hands, feet, or other areas experiencing tightness to encourage relaxation.

3. Observe Without Judgment: Instead of panicking, observe what’s happening. Ask yourself: “What is my body trying to tell me?”

4. Surrender to the Experience: Tetany is part of the process. Allow yourself to feel it fully, trusting your body’s ability to self-regulate.

5. Seek Support: If you’re in a guided session, don’t hesitate to ask the instructor for help. Sharing your experience with others can also ease any lingering worries.

Embracing Tetany as Part of the Healing Journey

Breathwork is as much about surrender as it is about technique. When tetany arises, it’s an opportunity to deepen your connection to your body, whether by exploring its roots or simply experiencing it without judgment. If it becomes too intense, remember that you can always pause, adjust your breathing, and return to a state of ease.

You’re not alone on this journey. Whether practicing at home or with a group, breathwork is a communal and supportive practice. Lean on your community, and trust the process—it’s all part of the healing.