Decreased CO2 saturation during circular breathwork supports emergence of altered states of consciousness.
Commun Psychol April 13, 2025 Martha N. Havenith, Max Leidenberger, Jelena Brasanac et al. 14 citations
Altered states of consciousness (ASCs) similar to those induced by psychedelics can be achieved through circular breathwork, a non-pharmacological practice. During breathwork sessions, deliberate hyperventilation reduces end-tidal CO2 pressure, which is significantly correlated with the onset of ASCs. The depth of these ASCs predicted subsequent improvements in well-being and reductions in depressive symptoms. Two forms of breathwork, Holotropic and Conscious-Connected, produced highly similar outcomes. The findings identify physiological conditions for ASCs outside of drug use, suggesting breathwork's potential as an accessible psychotherapeutic tool.