Conscious, circular breathing techniques, such as holotropic breathing or conscious connected breathwork, can induce altered states of consciousness similar to the effects of psychedelic substances. Researchers, including those from ESI, have now proven this in a randomized study published in nature communications psychology.
The target variables used were the measurement of the CO² content of exhaled breath, the measurement of heart rate, and the subjective experiences of the test subjects during the sessions. Hyperventilation induced by the breathing techniques resulted in a significant decrease in end-tidal CO² levels, a parameter whose cerebral vasoconstrictive effects can influence the experience of altered states of consciousness (ASCs). The occurrence of ASCs was also actually demonstrated. They resembled the states of consciousness induced by psychedelic substances and were so intense in terms of their psychological and physiological effects that they could contribute to an improvement in quality of life and a reduction in depressive symptoms, for example. Another important finding was that the breathing techniques used did not differ in terms of the parameters examined, which could indicate overarching principles of action in breathing work.
These findings are relevant because, although psychedelic substances could offer promising effects in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, they are not widely available for therapy due to bans or licensing restrictions.
Psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, LSD, or the dissociative anesthetic ketamine do not have a healing effect in the case of the aforementioned indications. Rather, they can serve as a kind of “door opener” to deeper psychological disorders or traumas. This is because they alter perception, emotions, and consciousness in such a way that these deeper levels become therapeutically accessible and treatable.
According to the study results, the targeted use of breathing techniques as a non-pharmacological alternative to psychedelic substances could directly contribute to achieving the therapeutically desired alternative states of consciousness and utilize this important therapeutic added value directly and free of regulatory restrictions in the treatment of numerous psychiatric disorders.
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Circular breathing techniques and psychedelics, such as psilocybin or LSD, have comparable effects in terms of triggering altered states of consciousness, but differ fundamentally in their mechanisms of action: While psychedelic substances, in their function as neurotransmitters, bind directly to serotonin receptors, especially 5-HT2A, breathing techniques exert an indirect influence through nervous system reactions.
Breathing techniques work by reducing the end-tidal CO² level. Evidence of structural changes, such as neuroplasticity, is limited.
While psychedelic substances do not directly influence CO² levels, they have beneficial effects in terms of structural aspects, not only in relation to neuroplasticity but also in terms of neuronal regeneration.
Circular breathing techniques and psychedelics also differ in their duration of action: while the effects of psychedelic substances can last between 4 and 12 hours, the effects of circular breathing techniques can only be maintained for a short time – the effect ends after one to three hours.
