Hyperventilation
In a 2016 study on cramps, three individuals were examined while experiencing cramping. They were instructed to take 20-30 breaths for a minute. On five individuals, researchers concluded that those with cramps were relieved after a minute of hyperventilation. Those who did a 100-mile bike ride did hyperventilation and said the cramps were gone and never returned.
Researchers concluded from the test that the efficacy and effectiveness of hyperventilating are 100% resulting from treating this one of the safest, simple, and cost-free treatments for a person with cramps.
Hyperventilation is the term for more rapid breathing than usual. The right balance between breathing in and out oxygen and carbon dioxide, respectively results in healthy breathing. When people hyperventilate, they throw off this equilibrium by inhaling more than they take in. As a result, the body’s carbon dioxide levels drop quickly.
The arteries that carry blood to the brain narrow when carbon dioxide levels fall. Lightheadedness and tingling in the fingers are symptoms brought on by this decrease in blood flow to the brain. A severe case of hyperventilation may cause unconsciousness.
