CO2 is a relaxant of all smooth muscles. That was an experimental observation of Dr. Hurlock from the Department of Physiology (University of Birmingham Medical School, UK) in his book Muscle blood flow (Hurlock, 1973).

On the other hand, lack of CO2 makes the muscles tense and irritable. As quoted above, “Studies designed to determine the effects produced by hyperventilation on nerve and muscle have been consistent in their finding on increased irritability” (Brown, 1953).

Together with the abnormally excited state of the nervous system, this muscular effect can create conditions of tension and irritability. A slight provocation can create various problems for a hyperventilating person (and for those who are around!) since the muscles are irritated and the brain cells are abnormally excited.

Which feelings and emotions can people experience because of hyperventilation?

Studies have found that people become duller and less able to concentrate because of chronic over-breathing. In addition, because of “spontaneous and asynchronous firing of cortical neurons”, people can become impulsive, moody, inconsistent, anxious, irritated, intolerant, disrespectful, depressed, hyperactive, verbally abusive, jealous, envious, greedy, and addicted to various unnatural substances and activities. During over-breathing, it becomes more and more difficult to control irrational emotions. Confusion is another common result of over-breathing.

(Note that normal breathing does not guarantee a complete absence of irrational emotions. Upbringing and environmental factors are also important. However, for most people, destructive or self-defeating behavior is possible or more likely in conditions of hyperventilation.)

Due to tense muscles, CO2 deficient people can easily become poorly coordinated, over-active, aggressive, or even violent (see right). This often leads to destructive behavior, which requires self-justification on the part of the perpetrators. How is that possible? Physiology has proved that the nerve cells become irritable during hyperventilation. As a result, the brain, instead of being a tool for the exploration of the world and the analysis of one’s own behavior, often becomes a tool for the invention of excuses.

Be observant. Watching TV for example, what can you (always?) say about the breathing of people who are violent or angry? Have you ever seen people expressing violent or angry behavior while having normal or invisible breathing?

For the list of the quoted references click here

Information page                Previous topic                    Next topic