When Kumbhak Turns Risky

1 week ago By Yogi Anoop

Can long breath retention increase nitrogen and CO₂ levels in the body?

One question is that if we hold our breath inside for a long time, can the levels of nitrogen and CO₂ (carbon dioxide) increase in our body?

According to me, if we hold the prana or breath for too long—that is, stay in the state of kumbhak—then the levels of both CO₂ and nitrogen can increase in the body. Normally, the air we inhale contains approximately 75 to 78 percent nitrogen. In addition, oxygen is present between 21 to 25 percent, and the remaining portion consists of other gases.

Now if we observe carefully, when we hold our breath for a very long time, naturally the level of CO₂ in the body increases because the body continuously produces CO₂ through cellular processes, but it doesn’t get expelled. Therefore, after a certain point, if we keep holding the breath, CO₂ starts rising beyond a certain threshold. Similarly, nitrogen, which is generally considered inert, can also accumulate to some extent, especially when the normal gas-exchange process is disrupted.

Another point is that when we hold the breath for too long—that is, do kumbhak—a kind of chemical and gaseous imbalance starts forming inside the body. This imbalance is considered beneficial only when it is done in a limited, controlled, and practiced manner. In yogic terms, this imbalance is seen as a process of awakening, which makes the body sensitive in a new way. But if this practice is done without understanding or guidance, it can also be harmful.

Therefore, the level of CO₂ and nitrogen can indeed increase, but its effect depends on how the practice is carried out in terms of intent, method, and balance.

When the level of nitrogen in the body rises and it starts dissolving more, it can cause several issues at the mental level. We generally don’t understand this because its symptoms are not direct. Especially when we go deep into the sea—say 10–20 meters or deeper—nitrogen begins to dissolve in our body.

This dissolving of nitrogen is not a normal condition. As pressure increases, nitrogen starts dissolving in our blood in larger quantities. This directly affects the mental state—a type of delusion begins, which is also called nitrogen narcosis. In such delusion, a person loses the ability to make decisions. The events around them begin to appear abnormal, and sometimes they even take off their oxygen mask or cylinder.

Many confusing incidents occur in such a state. The person doesn’t understand what they are doing or why they are doing it. This is referred to as a problem caused by nitrogen dissolving in the system. This is especially observed when one dives deep without proper safety and training.

If we do not understand this situation with alertness, it can be very dangerous. It’s not just a matter of physical pressure but also a result of mental and neurological pressure, which confuses both body and mind.

When we place special pressure on our body, a similar pressure builds on the brain. As soon as this pressure reaches the brain, it begins to experience a kind of confusion. Gradually, a person begins to feel a heaviness in the head, and strange bodily movements begin. A kind of mental imbalance arises.

That’s why I especially want to say that in kumbhak pranayama—that is, the act of breath-holding—beginners should be extremely cautious. They should not hold their breath inside for too long, because this can cause issues like headaches. Sometimes, this headache isn’t a sharp pain, but more like a persistent dizziness or a state of mental confusion. Sometimes, it’s so subtle that the person doesn’t even identify it as a headache, but their decision-making ability begins to suffer.

In such mental confusion, we remain in the same state where we feel uncomfortable, yet we don’t step out of it. It becomes a continuous cycle.

According to me—and also according to science—if we hold our breath for too long, the level of nitrogen in the brain starts to become imbalanced, which leads to symptoms like confusion, headaches, and mental fogginess.

Therefore, during kumbhak, especially in the beginning stages, it is extremely important that the breath-holding duration is limited and controlled. Yogic practice is not just a technique; it is a process to refine the subtlety of consciousness. And any haste or forcefulness in this can prove to be self-destructive.

Especially in antar kumbhak (the internal practice of breath-holding), the possible mental effects and the need for caution are being clearly explained. It is said that if the practice is not done carefully, it can result in confusion or mental entanglement—exactly like the panic or abnormal mental reactions that happen underwater when holding the breath.

It is mentioned that they have observed this experience in many students—that after long antar kumbhak, confusion, mental imbalance, or a change in mental state after the breath-holding begins to appear. This happens because prana and the mind are deeply connected, and when the breath is held, waves arise in the mind that an ordinary person cannot immediately recognize.

That’s why it is advised to avoid doing antar kumbhak for extended periods. If it must be done, then only under the guidance of an experienced guru, and even then, one should continuously observe one’s experiences. If there is even a slight sense of mental discomfort, confusion, fear, stress, or any subtle abnormality felt within, then the practice should be stopped immediately. One should pause the practice for a few days and observe what internal changes occur. This would be a wise step toward self-understanding and maintaining the balance of sadhana.

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