What is Tetany?

Have you ever experienced a sudden, intense muscle cramp during breathwork? If so, you're not alone—many regular meditators and breathwork practitioners encounter this, a phenomenon commonly known as tetany.
Our bodies can sometimes seem mysterious, and understanding the cause of a muscle cramp may feel like a complex puzzle. However, there are several potential reasons why muscle cramps or tetany can happen during breathwork.
In this article, we’ll explore the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual factors behind tetany in breathwork and discuss ways to ease your practice. Let’s dive in!
What is Tetany in Breathwork?Tetany is essentially another term for muscle cramps. During breathwork, some individuals experience involuntary muscle spasms in various areas of the body—most commonly in the hands, feet, calves, back, or face.
While the word "tetany" may sound concerning, it's a temporary and generally harmless condition. Still, it can be uncomfortable, so it's essential to understand why it occurs and how to prevent it in future sessions.
The Scientific Explanation for Tetany in BreathworkFrom a medical perspective, tetany or cramping is often linked to the parathyroid glands. Common causes include a deficiency in calcium, magnesium, or potassium—electrolytes critical for proper muscle function. These imbalances may result from dietary issues, and they can often be addressed through nutritional changes.
Tetany can also occur due to changes in blood pH levels and respiratory alkalosis, which happens when you breathe too quickly or deeply. If you've never experienced tetany before but encounter it during breathwork, this is likely the cause.
When practicing deep or rapid breathing techniques, your lungs expel carbon dioxide faster than normal, leading to an increase in blood alkalinity. This shift in pH can result in muscle spasms or tetany.
If you encounter tetany during breathwork practices like conscious connected breathing, Rebirthing, or Holotropic breathwork, it's a sign to slow down. A gentler, slower breathing rhythm can help regulate blood pH and reduce tetany’s effects.
Mental and Emotional Triggers for Tetany in BreathworkWhile there are physical causes of tetany, emotional and mental factors also play a role. Anxiety and unresolved emotions can contribute to this phenomenon.
Individuals who struggle with anxiety often have a naturally faster breathing rate. Over time, this can impact overall health and even alter blood pH. Breathwork can help alleviate anxiety, but it's essential to work with an experienced guide to navigate this safely.
In addition, psychosomatic theories suggest that emotions can become trapped in the body. During breathwork, as your body moves into a calmer state, these trapped emotions may surface, triggering physical reactions like tetany. Addressing these unconscious issues as they arise can promote healing and help resolve lingering physical symptoms.
The Spiritual Connection to Tetany in BreathworkEmotionally blocked or stagnant energy can also have spiritual implications. In yoga philosophy, it is believed that energy flows through the nadis, or subtle channels in the body. Sometimes, blockages occur in the form of granthis or knots in this energy system.
Breathwork helps cleanse these subtle energy pathways, but when you hit a deeper knot or blockage, it may manifest as a physical reaction, such as tetany. These knots often stem from long-standing habits or unresolved patterns in our lives.
Breathwork offers an opportunity to go beyond the physical, diving deep into the energetic body to release these blockages and reveal the inner clarity that lies within.
Managing and Overcoming Tetany in BreathworkTetany can have various root causes, and addressing it requires a holistic approach. By exploring the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the issue, you can begin to heal at all levels.
Next time you experience tetany during breathwork, whether in conscious connected breathing, Rebirthing, or Holotropic breathwork, remember that it’s a normal part of the process. It’s simply an opportunity to go deeper, find balance in the body, and address the unconscious material that’s surfacing.
You don't have to navigate this alone. If you need guidance in managing tetany or want to learn more about breathwork practices, feel free to reach out for support!