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Scientists uncover breathing exercise for altered consciousness
Simple breathing technique induces altered states without drugs.
In brief
Simple breathing technique induces altered states without drugs. Scientists found a breathing method that creates altered states of consciousness similar to psychedelics without illegal drugs. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Scientists reveal breathing exercise for altered states
Scientists discovered a simple breathing technique called high ventilation breathwork (HVB) that can induce altered states of consciousness without drugs.
“You don't need illegal drugs to get out of your mind - just some simple breathing techniques, scientists have revealed.”
HVB creates oceanic states of mind
Participants using HVB reported experiencing 'oceanic states' of mind, a profound sense of connection to the universe.
“Participants using these methods reported experiencing 'oceanic states' of mind, bringing on a profound sense of connection to the universe.”
HVB effects similar to psychedelics
Researchers say HVB produces effects similar to moderate to high doses of LSD or psilocybin with less visual effects.
“Researchers say these effects are similar to those brought on by moderate to high doses of LSD or psilocybin, the active chemical in magic mushrooms, albeit with less pronounced visual effects.”
HVB benefits for mental health
Co-author Hana Adolphi says HVB is a legal, inexpensive, non-pharmacological intervention that may help mental health treatment.
“Breathwork is a legal, inexpensive and non, pharmacological intervention that may provide a valuable tool for studying altered states of consciousness.”
HVB technique details
Dr. Guy Fincham describes HVB as breathing practices that increase ventilation beyond normal ranges through frequency or depth of breath.
“Dr. Guy Fincham, a breathwork expert from Brighton and Sussex Medical School, describes HVB as 'breathing practices that increase ventilation beyond normal ranges'.”
Conscious Connected Breathing
One common HVB technique is Conscious Connected Breathing, using uninterrupted high ventilation without breath holds.
“One of the most common techniques, used by almost half of the participants in the trial, is something called Conscious Connected Breathing.”
Circular breathing method
Circular breathing, used by trumpet players, allows practitioners to enter altered states and treat mental and physical conditions.
“Expert practitioners claim that this method allows them to enter altered states of consciousness, cause shifts in their physiology, and even treat various mental and physical conditions.”
Brain changes from HVB
Scientists found HVB reduces blood flow to the brain by up to 45 percent during fMRI scans.
“Scientists invited 30 experienced breathwork users to use their techniques while having their brains scanned using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).”
Altered states linked to brain networks
HVB creates changes in the brain's 'default mode network', associated with self-reflection and self-related thinking.
“Scientists found that the stronger experiences (y axis) were associated with bigger reductions in activity in the brain's 'default mode network' (x axis).”
HVB for mental health treatment
Lead author Dr. Christian Schmitz says HVB could help mental health treatment without the risks of psychedelic drugs.
“Many people who practice intensive breathwork report profound changes in perception and self-experience, yet the underlying brain mechanisms remain poorly understood.”
Limitations of HVB
HVB may not be suitable for people with epilepsy, cardiovascular issues, panic disorder, or psychosis.
“Dr. Fincham cautions that intense breathwork might not be suitable for everyone. He says: 'Anybody can start with slower, gentle, accessible practices, yes, which I advise due to their high safety profile, but for intense HVB, it can be problematic for some people.'”
Psychedelic drugs for mental health
Scientists are investigating psychedelic drugs like ketamine, psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD for mental health treatments.
“Scientists are investigating: KETAMINE, PSYLOCYBIN, MDMA, LSD.”
HVB vs. psychedelic drugs
HVB creates altered states without the illegal and potentially harmful risks of psychedelic drugs.
“If HVB can produce these effects without the need for illegal and potentially harmful drugs, that could be a boon to researchers studying these states and clinicians looking to harness their benefits.”
What happens next
Future research will focus on how HVB affects novices and its potential for mental health treatments.
“A study looking at the brains of novices who have just been taught breathwork techniques should give a better understanding of how breathing really affects the brain.”
The essence
Scientists found a breathing method that creates altered states of consciousness similar to psychedelics without illegal drugs.
