If you’ve ever been in a Breathwork session and suddenly felt your hands cramp up, you’re not alone. This common experience, known as tetany, can feel strange, but it’s a natural response to deep breathing. Understanding why it happens and how to manage it can help you stay present and get the most out of your Breathwork practice.

What is Tetany?

Tetany is a temporary condition where muscles tighten involuntarily, usually in the hands, face, or feet. This occurs when carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels drop too low due to deep or rapid breathing, affecting the balance of calcium in the nervous system and making nerves more excitable.

Common Signs of Tetany:

Tingling or numbness in the hands, face, or feet
Hands forming a claw-like shape
Muscle stiffness or spasms
A sensation of tightness or restriction in the body

Though it can feel uncomfortable, tetany is not harmful and typically resolves once breathing slows and CO₂ levels normalize.

Why Does Tetany Occur During Breathwork?

Breathwork practices encourage deep, rhythmic breathing, which can temporarily lower CO₂ levels. This shift in pH affects how nerves and muscles function, leading to the sensations associated with tetany.

Other factors that can contribute include:

Over-breathing: Breathing too rapidly without enough exhalation
Emotional release: The body may respond physically to the release of stored tension
Electrolyte imbalances: Low levels of magnesium, calcium, or potassium can increase muscle cramping
Stress or anxiety: Pre-existing tension can heighten bodily sensations

How to Manage and Prevent Tetany

While tetany is a natural response, you can take steps to navigate it more comfortably.

1. Slow Down Your Breath

If you notice signs of tetany, shift to a slower, more controlled breathing pattern. Breathing through the nose and extending your exhale can help restore balance.

2. Relax and Observe

Rather than resisting the sensation, acknowledge it with curiosity. It often passes as the body adjusts.

3. Focus on the Exhale

Longer exhales help maintain CO₂ levels. Try a 4-4-6-2 breathing pattern (inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 6, hold for 2) to regulate your system.

4. Hydration and Electrolytes

Make sure you’re getting enough magnesium, calcium, and potassium to support muscle function.

5. Ground Yourself After Breathwork

Stretching, gentle movement, or a short meditation can help your body reintegrate.

Embracing Tetany as Part of the Breathwork Journey

Rather than seeing tetany as a problem, consider it a sign that your body is responding to Breathwork in a meaningful way. By understanding its causes and knowing how to manage it, you can move through the experience with greater awareness and ease.

Final Thoughts

Tetany is a common and temporary sensation in breathwork. By practicing mindful breathing, staying hydrated, and embracing the experience with awareness, you can deepen your breathwork practice and enjoy its benefits.

If you’d like to explore Breathwork in a guided setting, join one of our breathwork sessions at Commonwealth Breathwork, where we create a space for deep healing and transformation.

Tetany in Breathwork: Why It Happens and How to Manage It