New Study Shows Circular Breathwork Can Induce Healing States Similar to Psychedelics
A groundbreaking 2025 study published in Communications Psychology has found that circular breathwork—a continuous, rhythmic breathing technique—can induce altered states of consciousness that are therapeutically beneficial and similar to those triggered by psychedelics.
Researchers observed that participants practicing circular breathwork experienced intense emotional shifts, increased self-awareness, and moments of deep clarity—all linked to significant improvements in mental health. These altered states were described as “meaningful” and “transformative” by many participants.
“The altered states achieved through circular breathwork mirror those seen in psychedelic-assisted therapy, but through a natural, drug-free process,” said lead author Dr. Christopher Timmermann.
What Is Circular Breathwork?
Circular breathwork involves uninterrupted cycles of inhalation and exhalation, with no pauses in between. This continuous flow of breath can lead to hypocapnia (lower CO₂ levels in the blood), which is believed to trigger non-ordinary states of consciousness.
“We found that the intensity of the altered state was directly linked to the degree of carbon dioxide drop during the breathwork session,” said the research team.
Implications for Mental Health
This study is especially important for those seeking natural mental health tools. Circular breathwork was associated with:
Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety
Increased emotional processing
A greater sense of connectedness and clarity
These findings align with what breathwork practitioners have long observed: that the breath can be used to access deep emotional states and promote healing from within.
Why This Matters Now
With rising interest in alternative mental health practices and the limitations of pharmaceutical-only treatments, this research offers promising evidence that intentional breathwork is more than just relaxation—it’s a pathway to transformation.
Interested in trying circular breathwork?
At the Holistic Breath Academy, we teach techniques backed by both ancient traditions and modern science. Our next certification cohort begins in September 2025, and early bird spots are now open.
Let your breath guide you. Healing is within reach—one conscious inhale at a time.