Decreased CO2 during breathwork: emergence of altered states of consciousness

In this exploratory study, we have demonstrated that the subjective experiences triggered by circular breathwork bear a close resemblance to those evoked by psychedelics across experiential domains such as ego dissolution, unity and bliss. By tracking physiological and experiential dynamics throughout a breathwork session, we were able to show that while this effect appears to be partially supported by general context (including evocative music and social support), the physiological changes associated with circular breathwork, measured here by a reduction in CO 2 pressure (etCO 2 ), are instrumental in triggering such ASCs. The depth of the experienced ASCs in turn predicts subacute effects of breathwork on the psychological and physiological level. Finally, by comparing these effects in two popular and complementary formats of breathwork practice – Holotropic and Conscious-Connected breathwork—we could demonstrate that these different breathwork styles engage the same physiological me ... Read full article.