09/28/2025
🧠 Breathwork induces psychedelic brain states—without drugs
A groundbreaking new study has shown that music-driven, high-intensity breathwork can trigger psychedelic-like states naturally, offering a safe alternative for emotional healing and mental well-being.
Researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School used advanced neuroimaging to study participants practicing high ventilation breathwork (HVB). The scans revealed decreased blood flow in brain regions tied to bodily awareness, while activity surged in the amygdala and hippocampus—areas linked to emotional processing and memory.
The result? Participants reported feelings of bliss, unity, and fear reduction—experiences remarkably similar to those induced by psychedelic substances like psilocybin. Scientists described this effect as “oceanic boundlessness”—a state of deep connection, euphoria, and spiritual insight.
Unlike psychedelics, however, breathwork carries no legal restrictions or chemical risks, making it a highly accessible tool for managing depression, anxiety, and trauma. While more research is needed—especially to understand the role of music—the findings highlight how simple shifts in breath can unlock profound states of consciousness hidden within the human brain.
Source: PLOS ONE (Aug 27, 2025) – “Neurobiological substrates of altered states of consciousness induced by high ventilation breathwork accompanied by music” by Amy Amla Kartar et al.
