Tetany (aka lobster claws) explained
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Physiological sensations are a natural occurrence during breathwork. Tetany (aka lobster claws) is one of the most typical experiences that participants may encounter during a session. What is it and why does it happen? Let’s dive in…
What is tetany?
A symptom that involves involuntary muscle contractions and overly stimulated peripheral nerves. It’s caused by electrolyte imbalances — most often low blood calcium levels.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
Tetany can present in many ways including:
Numbness in mouth/face
A tingling or burning sensation in your hands and feet
Muscle spasms
Why does it arise during Somatic Breathwork?
Our respiratory system is the network of organs and tissues that help us breathe. The respiratory system works with other biological systems such as cellular respiration and the circulatory system to manage the exchange of gases that help us create energy to move, eat, play, and ultimately live.
During a Somatic Breathwork session, the rate and depth of breathing impacts the rate of gas exchange, with tetany occurring due to changing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and calcium (Ca2+) in the blood.
When breathing rapidly or deeply for extended periods of time, you can exhale too much CO2 from your body. This can lead to respiratory alkalosis, where the blood becomes too alkaline (high pH) as a result of low CO2 levels. Alkalosis can cause changes in nerve function, leading to symptoms like muscle twitching, cramping, tingling and numbness. Alkalosis can also lead to decreased levels of ionized calcium in the blood, which is necessary for proper muscle function. Low levels of ionized calcium can increase nerve excitability, making muscles more prone to repetitive contractions.
What are some helpful ways to mitigate tetany?
Slow down
When you slow down your breathing, you promote greater CO2 retention by reducing the amount of CO2 exhaled with each breath, thereby helping rebalance the blood pH. Slowing down your breathing also signals your nervous system to relax (by stimulating your parasympathetic nervous system), which can reduce the stress and tension being experienced in the body.
Breath holds
Breath holds are intentionally programmed during a session to not only give moments of pause or reprieve from the active breathing process, but also to rebalance CO2 levels in the body. This is a process known as the Bohr effect, which describes the relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen in the blood. Put simply, it helps describe our red blood cells’ adaptability to changes in their environment, and how well hemoglobin (as the delivery vehicle) can transport oxygen to the tissues that need it the most.
When you hold your breath, CO2 begins to accumulate in the bloodstream because it’s not being exhaled through respiration. This increase in CO2 lowers blood pH, which in turn causes hemoglobin to release more oxygen to the tissues. Essentially, as CO2 levels rise, hemoglobin becomes less able to hold onto oxygen, making oxygen more readily available to cells for metabolic processes. This rebalancing of CO2 levels can help restore a more optimal pH blood balance in the body and alleviate symptoms associated with alkalosis.
Stay hydrated
Hydrating prior to and following a Somatic Breathwork session is a great way to ensure proper blood flow and gas exchange thanks to our respiratory process. With some cases of tetany being caused by electrolyte deficiency, nourishing your body with coconut water, a pinch of salt in water, or supplements like LMNT, are great ways to ensure you’re not actually flushing minerals out of your body from drinking too much water.
If you experience prolonged tetany or any concerning symptoms during breathwork, it's essential to stop and seek medical attention if necessary.
