SOMA Breath sensations and experiences

Trust your own judgment.

Should any sensations arise during the practice that seem potentially harmful or life-threatening, it's essential to heed your body's signals and cease immediately. Trust your own judgment. While some discomfort is typical in SOMA Breath, experiencing pain is not. Utilize discernment and recognize that each individual is distinct, so universal guidance isn't possible. Rely on your innate bodily wisdom and intuition.

If any sensations persist beyond the conclusion of a SOMA session and cause apprehension, seeking medical guidance before resuming SOMA Breath is advisable.

Consider enlisting the support of our skilled SOMA Instructors, either through face-to-face or online interaction, to navigate your practice effectively.

Tingling Sensations and Lightheadedness

Frequent occurrences of tingling sensations and lightheadedness are regular outcomes during SOMA Breath sessions. This phenomenon can be attributed to the following:

Hyperventilation elevates blood oxygen levels while reducing carbon dioxide levels. This carbon dioxide reduction triggers vasoconstriction in the brain's blood vessels, leading to tingling sensations and lightheadedness.

Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps, also known as tetany, might occur during SOMA sessions and are generally not a cause for concern. Understanding the science behind this occurrence can help alleviate alarm:

Hyperventilation results in increased blood oxygen and decreased carbon dioxide levels. The reduced carbon dioxide interferes with calcium binding in cells, which can lead to muscle spasms, or tetany.

Changes in pH levels within the body can also contribute to tetany.

Should tetany arise during individual practice, returning to normal breathing will restore balance. In group settings, instructors and helpers are available to offer assistance.

Headaches

Experiencing headaches is commonplace in SOMA Breath practice. However, adopting specific measures can help alleviate discomfort:

Ensuring adequate hydration is crucial, as proper water intake can affect headache frequency.

Avoid forceful breathing techniques, which can induce body tension. Embrace regular practice and prioritize smooth, gentle inhalations.

Hyperventilation's impact on blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels may lead to vasoconstriction and resultant headaches.

Should headaches become intensely painful, discontinuing practice is recommended. While discomfort is expected, persistent pain warrants medical consultation before resuming SOMA Breath.

Shoulder and/or Neck Pain

Minimizing forceful breathing diminishes body tension, which often contributes to discomfort in the shoulders and neck. Regular, gentle inhalations and exhalations are encouraged.

Maintaining proper posture aids in preventing discomfort. Strengthening muscles through upright sitting can alleviate these sensations over time.

Lower Back Pain

Similar to previous situations, reducing forceful breathing and promoting smooth, controlled inhalations mitigates tension responsible for lower back discomfort.

Sitting on stable surfaces and practicing good posture also contribute to reducing discomfort.

Yawning

Yawning is a typical response to the rhythmic breathing adjustments in SOMA practice. Over time, the frequency of yawning should decrease.

Feeling Tired

Sensations of tiredness during breathwork often indicate a need for more quality sleep. Adjusting sleep habits accordingly is recommended.

Emotional and energetic blocks release during breathwork, potentially contributing to fatigue. Continued practice can lead to increased energy levels.

Ears Ringing/Buzzing Sounds

Experiencing ringing or buzzing sounds within the head, known as tinnitus, is usual during SOMA Breath practice. Tinnitus has various causes, but if it accompanies pain or persists, medical consultation is advisable.

Changes In Body Temperature

Fluctuations in body temperature during practice are common and mirror the use of Pranayamic techniques for cold exposure.

Belching and Hiccups

Conscious breathing through the mouth can result in excessive air swallowing. Breathing through the nose is recommended to alleviate belching. Hiccups are linked to altered diaphragm contractions due to conscious breathing.

Blurred Vision

Blurred vision after SOMA sessions necessitates professional medical advice before resuming breathwork.

Increase in Sexual Energy

An amplified libido or heightened sexual energy is a potential effect of consistent SOMA practice, reflecting the release of powerful energy that can be channeled constructively.

Emotional Release

Breathwork can unearth stored emotions and energy, allowing for processing and release. Incorporating complementary practices like yoga, exercise, and voice expression further aids emotional release.

Vivid Dreams

Stored emotions may also manifest as vivid dreams. Keeping a dream journal can facilitate processing during this phase.

Questioning Life Choices/Awakening

SOMA Breath practice often leads to moments of insight, creativity, and self-realization. While intense, this process is empowering and allows for shedding what no longer serves.

If overwhelmed, self-help techniques, SOMA Instructors, or professional assistance can provide guidance.