Hyperventilation

Hyperventilation means breathing more air than the body’s metabolism currently needs, so carbon dioxide (CO₂) is exhaled faster than it is produced. The resulting drop in blood CO₂ can cause light-headedness, tingling, visual changes or muscle tightening, which usually fade within minutes once breathing returns to normal.

In everyday life it can happen during stress, panic or pain, often without being noticed. In some breathwork methods it is used on purpose for a limited time. Practice only seated or lying down, never in water or while driving, and stop if you notice chest pain or feel faint.