The Profound Effects of Breathwork on the Body: What’s Really Happening?

Breathwork has become a transformative tool for countless individuals seeking healing, clarity, and connection. As a breathwork facilitator, I’ve witnessed remarkable shifts in people’s physical, emotional, and mental states. Many participants ask me, “What exactly is happening to my body?” Let’s dive into the fascinating science and transformative benefits of breathwork, especially the deep, intentional styles like shamanic breathwork, Holotropic, and Wim Hof.

What Happens in the Body During Breathwork?

In deep breathwork sessions, you might feel tingling sensations, muscle cramping (tetany), waves of heat or cold, or even a sensation of levitation. These experiences aren’t random; they’re deeply connected to the physiological and energetic changes happening in your body.

Blood Alkalization and Oxygenation

When we engage in intentional breathwork, particularly rapid or deep breathing, we alter the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2) in our blood. Normally, CO2 helps regulate blood pH, keeping it slightly acidic. However, during breathwork, excessive CO2 is expelled, causing the blood to become more alkaline. This process is known as respiratory alkalosis and can:

• Increase oxygen delivery to tissues.
• Boost cellular energy production.
• Enhance detoxification processes.

This alkalization can also explain some sensations like tingling or cramping. Tetany, for example, occurs due to shifts in calcium levels in response to alkalinity, leading to temporary muscle contractions.

Accessing Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness

Beyond the physical, breathwork allows us to step into non-ordinary states of consciousness. As we bypass the conceptual mind (or ego), we access the subconscious—a space where suppressed emotions and traumas are stored. These states facilitate:

• Emotional release and healing.
• Deep insights and clarity.
• A profound sense of connection to self and the universe.

Studies suggest that these altered states mimic some of the benefits of meditation or even psychedelics, providing a gateway to rebalancing the body, mind, and soul.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Breathwork is not just a physical practice; it’s a holistic one. Here’s what it can do for your mental and emotional well-being:

• Reduce stress and anxiety: By activating the parasympathetic nervous system (our “rest and digest” mode), breathwork calms the mind and body.
• Boost emotional resilience: By releasing pent-up emotions, you create space for clarity and peace.
• Enhance focus and creativity: Oxygenating the brain and quieting mental chatter allows for sharper focus and innovative thinking.

For those interested in exploring daily practices for mental well-being, my book, What the Heck is Breathwork?, available on Amazon, offers simple yet effective exercises.

Benefits on a Cellular Level

At a microscopic level, breathwork:

• Improves mitochondrial function: Your cells’ powerhouses get a boost, enhancing energy levels.
• Supports detoxification: Oxygen-rich blood helps remove waste products from the body.
• Promotes healing: By reducing inflammation and improving circulation, breathwork supports tissue repair and overall vitality.

Challenges and How to Navigate Them

Some participants experience hyperventilation, dizziness, or emotional overwhelm. These are normal but can be managed with guidance. My book also covers practical tips to ensure a safe and beneficial practice.

Why Go Deep? The Transformative Power of Retreats

While daily breathwork practices are powerful, immersive experiences like my retreats I run several times a year, offer unparalleled depth. Here, you’ll explore profound layers of healing, releasing trauma, and connecting with your true self through breathwork, yoga, sound healing, and more. It’s a journey of renewal for your body, mind, and soul.

Join the Breathwork Journey

For those eager to dip their toes into breathwork, my online Midweek Mindshift sessions will begin soon. Follow me on Instagram @manabreath for updates and inspiration.

Breathwork is a journey into the depths of who we are. Whether you’re seeking physical healing, emotional release, or spiritual connection, it’s a practice that meets you where you are and takes you to where you need to be. Let your breath guide you to transformation.

These studies below offer valuable insights into how breathwork influences our physiology and mental well-being.

• Effect of Breathwork on Stress and Mental Health: This meta-analysis examines how breathwork can improve stress levels and mental health. Nature
• How Breath-Control Can Change Your Life: A systematic review discussing the psycho-physiological correlates of slow breathing techniques. PubMed Central
• Neural Correlates of Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness in Pranayama Practitioners: This study explores how slow Pranayama breathing modulates brain activity, inducing non-ordinary states of consciousness. Frontiers
• Brief Structured Respiration Practices Enhance Mood and Reduce Physiological Arousal: Research indicating that breathwork, especially exhale-focused cyclic sighing, improves mood and reduces respiratory rate. Huberman Lab
• The Role of Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness Occasioned by Mind-Body Practices: An exploration into the therapeutic potential of non-ordinary states induced by practices like meditation, yoga, and breathwork. PubMed