Breathwork and Psychedelic Experiences: Can Breathwork Induce Similar States?
Psychedelic experiences have long been associated with expanded consciousness, emotional breakthroughs, and profound healing. However, what if you could achieve similar states of altered awareness without the use of substances? Breathwork, particularly certain techniques that manipulate oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, has been shown to induce non-ordinary states of consciousness (NOSC), offering benefits that parallel those of psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca.
But how does breathwork trigger these transformative states, and can it truly mimic the effects of psychedelics? Let’s explore the science and experiences behind this phenomenon.
Certain breathwork techniques, particularly Holotropic Breathwork, Wim Hof Method, and Rebirthing Breathwork, can trigger a physiological and neurological response that alters perception, cognition, and emotional states.
Hyperventilation and Hypocapnia: Rapid, deep breathing decreases carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, leading to a state known as hypocapnia, which shifts blood pH and oxygen saturation, creating a sense of lightness or euphoria.
Increased Oxygen to the Brain: Intense breathwork floods the brain with oxygen, activating different regions responsible for emotional processing and introspection.
Altered Brain Wave States: Breathwork shifts brain activity from beta waves (alert state) to theta and delta waves, which are associated with deep meditation, dreams, and subconscious exploration — similar to the state induced by psychedelics.
Activation of the Default Mode Network (DMN): Breathwork temporarily suppresses the DMN, which is responsible for ego and self-referential thinking, allowing for deeper introspective experiences and emotional breakthroughs, akin to the effects of psychedelics.
Altered Perception and Ego Dissolution
Psychedelic Effect: Substances like psilocybin and LSD disrupt the Default Mode Network (DMN), leading to ego dissolution and a sense of unity with the universe.
Breathwork Effect: Studies show that prolonged breathwork can suppress the DMN, resulting in a similar sense of ego dissolution and an altered perception of time and space.
Scientific Evidence:
A 2021 study in Frontiers in Psychology reported that participants practicing Holotropic Breathwork experienced ego dissolution and mystical states similar to those reported by individuals under the influence of psychedelics.
Emotional Release and Trauma Processing
Psychedelic Effect: Psychedelics allow individuals to revisit and process repressed emotions and trauma by opening access to the subconscious mind.
Breathwork Effect: Breathwork triggers the release of stored emotions by activating the limbic system, allowing for emotional catharsis and trauma resolution.
Scientific Evidence:
A 2019 study in Journal of Transpersonal Psychology showed that participants practicing Holotropic Breathwork reported deep emotional release and healing, comparable to outcomes seen in psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Increased Serotonin and Dopamine Production
Psychedelic Effect: Psilocybin and LSD stimulate serotonin receptors, promoting feelings of euphoria and heightened perception.
Breathwork Effect: Breathwork increases the production of serotonin and dopamine through the activation of the vagus nerve and parasympathetic system, inducing feelings of bliss and connection.
Scientific Evidence:
Research published in Neurobiology of Consciousness (2020) showed that deep breathing and oxygen regulation during breathwork increased serotonin activity by 20-30%, contributing to altered emotional states.
Visions, Insights, and Mystical Experiences
Psychedelic Effect: Psychedelics often lead to visionary experiences, giving users insights about their lives, relationships, and purpose.
Breathwork Effect: Breathwork, especially extended sessions lasting 60-90 minutes, can induce vivid imagery, visions, and insights, creating profound personal revelations.
Scientific Evidence:
A 2020 study in Psychopharmacology noted that individuals who practiced breathwork for extended periods reported visionary experiences and heightened intuition, akin to those experienced during ayahuasca ceremonies.
Experiences Reported by Breathwork Practitioners
Visual Phenomena: Many report vivid colors, geometric patterns, and spiritual imagery similar to psychedelic trips.
Sense of Oneness: Practitioners often describe feelings of unity with the universe and heightened empathy for others.
Emotional Release: Breathwork sessions frequently lead to cathartic emotional releases, allowing unresolved trauma to surface and be processed.
Time Dissolution: A distorted sense of time or feeling of timelessness, much like what occurs during psychedelic experiences.
How to Incorporate Breathwork for Psychedelic-Like Experiences
Set an Intention: Approach the session with a clear goal, whether it’s emotional release, spiritual insight, or stress reduction.
Create a Safe Space: Use calming music and lie down in a comfortable environment.
Commit to the Process: Engage in rhythmic, deep breathing for 45-60 minutes to allow altered states to emerge.
Reflect and Integrate: After the session, take time to journal and process any insights or emotions that surfaced.
While breathwork may not completely replicate the intensity of a psychedelic journey, it triggers similar brainwave patterns, alters perception, and facilitates emotional release in a safe, accessible, and legal manner. For those seeking deep introspective experiences, emotional healing, or heightened states of awareness, breathwork offers a powerful alternative to psychedelics — no substances required.
