High ventilation breathwork induces psychedelic-like states, study finds

Breathwork with music alters consciousness, reduces negative emotions.

Why it matters

  • Non-drug alternative to psychedelics.
  • Potential mental health therapy.

By the numbers

  • 42 participants across three settings.
  • Sessions lasted 20-30 minutes.

The big picture

  • HVB offers legal, ethical alternative to psychedelics.
  • More research needed on brain mechanisms.

What they're saying

  • Similar to Sikh "breath of fire."
  • Decades of holotropic breathwork research.

Caveats

  • Small sample size; exploratory.
  • Needs replication with controls.

What’s next

  • Larger studies to confirm findings.
  • Explore therapeutic potential.