Are you aware that a few minutes of deep, rhythmic breathing, paired with music, could transport you into a blissful, psychedelic-like state of mind? A new study suggests that it’s not only possible, but also backed by changes in your brain that could help ease emotional pain, fear, and stress.
Researchers from Brighton and Sussex Medical School have discovered that high-ventilation breathwork (HVB), a fast-paced breathing technique, can produce altered states of consciousness (ASCs) that closely resemble those triggered by psychedelic substances. Plus, there are no drugs involved.
The study, published in the journal PLOS One, shows that this breathwork method can reduce negative emotions, increase feelings of unity and bliss, and literally reshape how blood flows in the brain.
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Breathwork mirrors psychedelic states
In the study, participants engaged in 20 to 30 minutes of fast, cyclic breathing while listening to music. Later, they described feeling connected, peaceful, and emotionally released, a state psychologists call: Oceanic boundlessness.
This term, coined by Freud and often used to describe psychedelic experiences, includes sensations like:
- A sense of unity or spiritual connection
- Deep emotional insight
- A blissful, depersonalised calm
- Relief from fear or anxiety
- And in this case, it was just breath and music that triggered it.
Using MRI scans, the researchers found that while overall brain blood flow decreased (suggesting a deep inward focus), certain emotion-related areas, including the right amygdala and anterior hippocampus, showed increased activity. These regions are tied to emotional memory and fear processing, hinting at why breathwork may feel both intense and healing.
Stress signals may help the process
Interestingly, participants showed signs of stress activation (like decreased heart rate variability), but without feeling overwhelmed. Instead, they experienced emotional clarity and calm. This suggests the body’s stress response may be part of the path to release, rather than a problem to avoid.
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A safe tool for healing
Across all sessions, participants reported no adverse effects, only reduced fear and more positive emotions. For many, it felt like a reset, emotionally and physically. Lead researcher Amy Kartar says, "While many people anecdotally recognise the health benefits of breathwork, this fast-paced style has received very little scientific attention. It was thrilling to explore such a novel area.”
Breath and mental health
While still early-stage, this research hints that HVB could be a non-drug, natural tool for emotional healing, especially for those dealing with anxiety, trauma, or depression.
Dr Alessandro Colasanti, senior author, sees great potential, “Breath-work is a powerful yet natural tool for neuromodulation. It holds tremendous promise as a transformative therapeutic intervention.”
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.
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