Why Some Clients Feel Worse After Breathwork (and How to Prevent It)

Breathwork is often described as calming, regulating, or even transformational. And for many people, it is. But for others, breathwork can feel uncomfortable, overwhelming, or even destabilising. When this happens, it’s not because the client or coach is “doing it wrong” — it’s usually because the breathwork wasn’t matched to their nervous system, history, or capacity in that moment.

Understanding why some clients feel worse after breathwork is essential for anyone who wants to integrate breathwork into their professional work safely and ethically.

Breathwork and the Autonomic Nervous System: A Scientific Exploration of Breathing Techniques, Tetany, and Physiological Effects

Breathwork is a powerful tool that modulates the autonomic nervous system (ANS), influencing physiological and psychological states. Different breathing techniques—varying in inhale/exhale patterns, nasal vs. mouth breathing, and breath retention—affect oxygen (O₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, which play a critical role in nervous system balance. This article explores the science of breathwork, its effects on the sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), the phenomenon of tetany, and the benefits of different breath styles in stress reduction, athletic performance, and mental well-being.