Once rooted in ancient spiritual traditions, breathwork is now experiencing a modern revival as a tool for achieving altered states of consciousness and emotional clarity. With growing interest from both wellness enthusiasts and mental health professionals, this breathing-based practice is increasingly being compared to psychedelics—though it achieves its effects through entirely different means.
What Is Breathwork?
Breathwork refers to a variety of structured breathing exercises aimed at improving mental, emotional, and physical well-being. One of the more intense forms, known as holotropic breathwork, involves fast-paced breathing patterns combined with music and movement. Created in the 1970s by psychiatrist Dr. Stanislav Grof, this method was designed to help participants access deep layers of the subconscious without the use of drugs.
The experience can be powerful—sometimes emotional, sometimes euphoric—and often compared to the effects of psychedelic substances like psilocybin or LSD. However, the pathways to these experiences differ significantly. While psychedelics act on serotonin receptors in the brain, breathwork alters consciousness by shifting oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the body.
What Happens During a Session?
During high-ventilation breathwork, participants intentionally hyperventilate—breathing faster and deeper than usual. This reduces carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, changing blood pH and affecting how the brain operates. These changes can trigger vivid sensory experiences, strong emotional releases, and even spontaneous physical movements.
Some sessions also involve periods of holding the breath, which can produce additional effects on the nervous system. This fluctuation between stimulation and stillness activates both the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) nervous systems, potentially leading to dramatic psychological shifts.
Comparing Breathwork to Psychedelics
While breathwork and psychedelics both allow people to explore non-ordinary states of consciousness, they do so through different mechanisms. Despite this, many people report similar experiences: deep emotional insights, vivid imagery, and a feeling of connectedness or transcendence.
Early research suggests that breathwork can increase self-awareness and reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression, much like psychedelic therapy. However, experts caution that these effects vary widely between individuals and require more scientific study for a full understanding.
A Tool for Emotional Healing—With Caution
Many practitioners report significant emotional breakthroughs during breathwork sessions, including the surfacing of repressed memories or feelings. This makes the practice appealing for those dealing with trauma, stress, or personal growth challenges. However, such intensity also comes with risks.
Adverse reactions such as panic attacks or dizziness can occur, particularly among people with certain medical conditions like epilepsy, asthma, or heart problems. For this reason, breathwork should always be done under the supervision of a trained facilitator, especially for newcomers.
Growing Scientific Interest
Although breathwork is not new, scientific research into its benefits and mechanisms is still catching up. Studies are underway to compare brain activity during breathwork to that seen during psychedelic experiences. Researchers hope to uncover how these practices affect mood, cognition, and long-term mental health.
If proven effective, breathwork could become a valuable complement to conventional therapy, particularly for those who may not be candidates for psychedelic treatments due to medical or legal reasons.
Final Thoughts
Breathwork stands at a unique intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science. Whether used for spiritual exploration or therapeutic support, it’s a practice gaining recognition for its potential to facilitate deep emotional shifts without the use of drugs.
As interest continues to grow, experts stress the importance of safety, proper guidance, and continued research to ensure breathwork is both effective and accessible for those who may benefit most.
