Respiratory alkalosis

Respiratory alkalosis is a rise in blood pH above the normal range (above 7.45), caused by breathing out CO₂ faster than the body produces it. In fast connected breathing, this temporary shift lowers the free calcium in the blood and is the main reason behind tingling, cramping and light-headedness.

In intensive breathwork it is generally short-lived and reverses as breathing normalizes. The kidneys can compensate over hours to days, but in a breathwork Session breathing itself restores the balance within minutes. Clinically, ongoing respiratory alkalosis can also point to other conditions and is assessed by a doctor.