Study Finds Breathwork Creates Blissful Brain States

Quick Smiles:

• Deep-breathing exercises mirror brain blood flow patterns seen in psychedelic use.
• Participants reported feelings of unity, calm, and reduced fear after breathwork sessions.
• Study highlights breathwork as a promising approach for emotional well-being.

A new study reveals that deep-breathing exercises can induce brain blood flow changes similar to those seen with psychedelics like psilocybin, creating states described as blissful and unifying.

Participants practicing high-ventilation or holotropic breathing experienced calm, positive detachment, and a sense of oneness—feelings closely aligned with the “Oceanic Boundlessness” first described by Freud.

Breathwork, a growing practice used for neuromodulation, showed a reduction in fear and negative emotions among all participants, alongside no adverse effects.

Researchers from Brighton and Sussex Medical School, including Amy Amla Kartar and Dr. Alessandro Colossanti, found these profound experiences corresponded with distinct brain blood flow patterns, especially in areas tied to emotion and bodily awareness.

“Conducting this research was a fantastic experience,” said Kartar.

Dr. Colossanti added, “Breathwork is a powerful yet natural tool for neuromodulation, working through the regulation of metabolism across the body and brain. It holds tremendous promise as a transformative therapeutic intervention for conditions that are often both distressing and disabling.”

The findings point to breathwork’s significant potential for supporting emotional health, with researchers suggesting even more extensive studies in the future.

If you’re curious to try breathwork, experts and influencers alike are sharing accessible ways to get started.

Share this uplifting discovery with someone who could use a mindful boost!

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