The role of non-ordinary states of consciousness occasioned by mind-body practices in mental health illness.

Non-ordinary states of consciousness (NOSCs) induced by mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga, and breathwork may improve symptoms of affective disorders and substance use disorders, according to a review of preliminary evidence. Qualitative and open-label studies suggest these practices produce NOSCs that correlate with short-term reductions in anxiety and depression, increased motivation to change addictive behaviors, and enhanced self-awareness and well-being. However, the literature is scarce, and more rigorous research is needed. Mind-body practices could offer a more accessible alternative to hallucinogen-based therapies for eliciting therapeutic NOSCs.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Research with hallucinogens suggests that non-ordinary states of consciousness (NOSCs), particularly mystical-type experiences, predict improvements in various affective disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs). Little is known, however, about the therapeutic potential of NOSCs induced by mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga and breathwork. We conducted a literature review in online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) and preprint databases (SSRN, bioRxiv) to identify studies of NOSCs induced by mind-body practices and their effects in affective disorders and SUDs. A wide variety of mind-body practices involving physical movement (i.e., shamanic drumming, yoga) and deliberate immersive experiences (i.e., meditation, breathwork) have been reported in the literature. Preliminary evidence, mostly from qualitative studies and open label studies, suggest that mind-body practices produce NOSCs. These experiences have also been correlated with short-term reductions in anxiety and depression, with increased motivation to change addictive behaviors, and with enhanced self-awareness and well-being. Findings are limited by the scarcity of literature in this field. Further rigorous and methodologically sound empirical research is needed, including comparative studies of NOSCs occasioned by different methods. Mind-body practices may represent a promising approach for treating mental health disorders. The NOSCs induced by such practices may lead to beneficial shifts in perceptions, values, beliefs, and behaviors. Given the challenges with hallucinogen-based therapies, mind-body practices may represent a more accessible and acceptable way of eliciting potentially helpful NOSCs in clinical practice.