Safety & Contraindications

Hyperarousal and hypoarousal

Also known as: Over-activation and under-activation

German: Übererregung und Untererregung, Überaktivierung und Unteraktivierung

Hyperarousal means being above the window of tolerance: anxious, racing, overwhelmed or hypervigilant. Hypoarousal means dropping below it: numb, flat, foggy, heavy or shut down. Both are nervous-system states rather than failures, and both can appear during intensive breathing. Slowing down, grounding, opening the eyes and pausing are common responses, and persistent symptoms deserve qualified support.

Breathwork and trauma →