openPR Logo
Press release

Largest Study on Breathwork to Date Uncovers Psychedelic-Like Effects on the Brain

10-31-2024 08:52 PM CET | Health & Medicine

Press release from: ABNewswire

Largest Study on Breathwork to Date Uncovers Psychedelic-Like

Cambridge, UK - In a pioneering study from the University of Cambridge, researchers have conducted the largest to date scientific investigation into the effects of breathwork on the brain. The study reveals striking similarities between neural activity during breathwork and psychedelic experiences, suggesting breathwork may offer an accessible, non-pharmacological route to altering consciousness.

Led by PhD candidate and neuroscientist Evan Lewis-Healey, the study analyzed over 300 breathwork sessions from 14 participants who practiced daily for 28 days. The research, conducted in collaboration with SOMA Breath, utilized cutting-edge portable EEG technology to monitor brain activity and introduced a novel technique called Temporal Experience Tracing (TET) to map subjective experiences in real time.

Key Facts and Findings:

Neural Complexity and Consciousness: The study found a significant increase in Lempel-Ziv (LZ) complexity, a neural marker of heightened brain activity, during breathwork sessions. This increase mirrors what is typically seen during psychedelic experiences, such as those induced by substances like psilocybin and LSD. Notably, higher levels of LZ complexity were associated with dimensions like bliss, insight, and spiritual connection-hallmarks of psychedelic states.

Two Distinct Experiential States: Participants' experiences during breathwork were clustered into two distinct types. One state, characterized by high physical and mental effort, reflected focused and challenging experiences. The other, defined by heightened bliss, emotional intensity, and spiritual insight, bore striking resemblance to the psychedelic state known as "Oceanic Boundlessness."

Portable EEG and Real-Time Experience Mapping: Participants wore Dreem portable EEG headsets, which recorded brain activity throughout their daily sessions. This neural data was paired with real-time reports of 14 different subjective experience dimensions, including clarity, insightfulness, emotional intensity, and spiritual experience, captured through Temporal Experience Tracing (TET).

Psychedelic-Like Effects Without Drugs: Importantly, this study demonstrates that breathwork alone, when practiced intensively, can produce altered states of consciousness akin to those induced by psychedelics, all without the need for any chemical substances.

Clinical Potential: The findings raise exciting prospects for the use of breathwork in therapeutic settings. With the growing interest in psychedelics for mental health treatment, this study suggests that breathwork might offer a scalable, safe, and drug-free alternative for achieving similar therapeutic benefits.

Evan Lewis-Healey, Lead Neuroscientist, University of Cambridge

"We are excited to share the results of this landmark study, which is the largest of its kind to investigate the neurophenomenology of breathwork. Our findings show a clear connection between breathwork and the brain's complexity during altered states of consciousness. This opens up fascinating possibilities for future research into breathwork as a powerful tool for mental health, spirituality, and consciousness exploration."

Collaboration with SOMA Breath

The 21 days breathwork protocol used in the study was developed by SOMA Breath, founded by Niraj Naik, a former NHS pharmacist. SOMA Breath's technique distinguishes itself by incorporating rhythmic music to guide participants through breathing patterns, ensuring uniformity across sessions.

Niraj Naik, Founder of SOMA Breath

"This study confirms what many practitioners of breathwork have long known: that breathwork has the power to induce profound states of consciousness. As someone with a background in pharmacy, it's a dream come true to see breathwork validated by neuroscience. We are now focused on securing funding for a clinical trial, with the hope of introducing breathwork into mainstream health services like the NHS."

Study Methodology

Participants took part in 28 consecutive days of breathwork practice, with sessions increasing in duration and intensity each week. The use of EEG headsets allowed researchers to monitor brain activity during key phases of the breathwork protocol, such as breath retention, which created hypoxic states. Additionally, the novel use of Temporal Experience Tracing (TET) enabled participants to track their subjective experiences with a level of detail not previously available in similar studies.

Next Steps

The research team is actively seeking funding for larger clinical trials to further investigate the therapeutic potential of breathwork. With increasing evidence supporting the efficacy of psychedelics for mental health, this study positions breathwork as an accessible alternative with fewer regulatory hurdles.

Media Contact
Company Name: SOMA Breath
Contact Person: Olga Kononenko
Email:Send Email [https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=largest-study-on-breathwork-to-date-uncovers-psychedeliclike-effects-on-the-brain]
Country: United Kingdom
Website: https://somabreath.com/



This release was published on openPR.

Permanent link to this press release:

Copy
Please set a link in the press area of your homepage to this press release on openPR. openPR disclaims liability for any content contained in this release.

You can edit or delete your press release Largest Study on Breathwork to Date Uncovers Psychedelic-Like Effects on the Brain here

News-ID: 3716985 • Views:

More Releases from ABNewswire

India Data Center Colocation Market to Surpass USD 5.54 Billion by 2030 with Occupancy Rates Exceeding 90% - Arizton
India Data Center Colocation Market to Surpass USD 5.54 Billion by 2030 with Occ …
Get Insights on 207 Existing Colocation Data Center Facilities across India According to Arizton's latest research report, the India data center colocation market [https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/india-data-center-colocation-market] is growing at a CAGR of 25.24% 2024-2030. Explore the Full Market Insights: [https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/india-data-center-colocation-market] Report Summary: MARKET SIZE - COLOCATION REVENUE: USD 5.54 Billion (2030) CAGR - COLOCATION REVENUE: 25.24% (2024-2030) MARKET SIZE - UTILIZED WHITE FLOOR AREA: 18.30 million sq. feet (2030) MARKET SIZE - UTILIZED RACKS: 473.74 thousand units (2030) MARKET SIZE
Realtor Agent in San Diego, CA Leverages Biotech and University Growth to Serve First-Time Homebuyers
Realtor Agent in San Diego, CA Leverages Biotech and University Growth to Serve …
San Diego, CA - A well-known real estate professional is capitalizing on San Diego's thriving biotech sector and university presence to create tailored services for first-time homebuyers entering the market. This strategic focus addresses the unique needs of young professionals and graduates establishing roots in the community. "San Diego's vibrant ecosystem of research institutions and biotech companies continues to drive substantial employment growth, creating a steady pipeline of well-qualified professionals looking
What Are Self-Tapping Threaded Inserts? Types, Installation, and Applications
What Are Self-Tapping Threaded Inserts? Types, Installation, and Applications
Image: https://ecdn6.globalso.com/upload/p/147/image_other/2025-08/picture-1.jpg When people are designing lightweight products, or repairing a worn-out thread, a dependable fastening tool can make a big difference. This is where self tapping threaded inserts can come into play. These inserts eliminate the need for pre-tapping and reduce installation time, as they are engineered to cut their own threads. They help reinforce assemblies, improve durability, and allow for repeated disassembly without degrading the holding strength, by forming secure
How To Choose Aluminum Profile For Folding Door
How To Choose Aluminum Profile For Folding Door
Why Aluminum Profiles [https://www.yx-aluminum.com/construction-aluminum-profile/] Matter for Folding Doors Aluminum profiles form the backbone of folding door, the right aluminum profile ensures smooth operation, proper weight distribution, and long-term performance, while the wrong choice can lead to sagging, difficulty in opening/closing, and premature wear. Image: https://ecdn6.globalso.com/upload/p/2279/image_other/2025-08/modern-design-interior-aluminum-doors-folding-doors-for-balcony-patio-courtyard-entrance.jpg Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Aluminum Profiles [https://www.yx-aluminum.com/products/] Alloy Grade The alloy grade determines the profile's strength, corrosion resistance, and workability: 6063: Most common for doors - excellent corrosion resistance

All 5 Releases


More Releases for Breath

Infant Ventilator Market: A Breath of Fresh Air for Premature Babies,Saving Live …
Infant Ventilator Market worth $ 658.86 Million by 2030 - Exclusive Report by InsightAce Analytic InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the "Global Infant Ventilator Market- by Product (Mechanical, Electronic, Pneumatic, and Electro-pneumatic), Ventilation Mode (Invasive and Non-invasive), Application (Resuscitation, Emergency, Transport, Clinical, and Other (COPD, homecare, etc.)), Trends, Industry Competition Analysis, Revenue and Forecast To 2024-2031." Get a free sample copy of the report:
04-08-2024 | Health & Medicine
Getnews
Breath Renewal Launches an All-Natural, Highly Effective Halitosis Solution, Bad …
Breath Renewal is a premier US-based dental tech company offering an innovative solution to Halitosis commonly known as "bad breath", treating the root cause of this issue and offering a long-term cure. Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/f8ddcab217699694f744151c0a97379e.jpg According to recent research studies, it is estimated that roughly 31.8% of the entire global population struggles with "bad breath" issues. Halitosis is recognized as a fairly widespread dental condition with an array of possible underlying causes,
LionLung Breath Trainer Review 2021: (Shocking Info!) LionLung Breath Trainer th …
Read this LionLung Breath Review for better understanding of LionLung Breath. As you get older, your breathing starts to change because of three things. First, your bones thin and change shape, affecting your rib cage and how far it can expand. Second, respiratory muscles like the diaphragm weaken. Lastly, older adults have lower lung defense mechanisms, and these can worsen because of obesity, an unhealthy lifestyle, and heart problems. If you're
Breath Analyzers Market
Breath Analyzers are the devices that are used for estimating blood alcohol content through an exhaled breath. These devices were first introduced in 1940's for alcohol detection, however enhancements in research and development has expanded the usage of breath testing devices in the healthcare sector for diagnosis. These devices work on the principle of measurement of gases and compounds in an exhaled breath even at a lower concentration (in parts
Breath Analyzers Market: Global Breath Analyzers Size to surpass $1,600.0 mn by …
Zion Market Research has published a new report titled “Breath Analyzers Market (Fuel Cell, Semiconductor, Infrared and Crystal) by Application (Alcohol, Drug Abuse, Tuberculosis, Asthma and Cancer), by End-user (Law Enforcement, Enterprises and Individuals) - Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Segment, Trends and Forecast, 2015 – 2021”. According to the report, global breath analyzer market was valued at USD 500.0million in 2015, is expected to reach USD
Connected Breath Analyzer Devices Market 2017
Market Research analysts forecast the global connected breath analyzer devices market to grow at a CAGR of 0.89% during the period 2017-2021. The following companies as the key players in the global connected breath analyzer devices market: Breathometer, BACtrack, DrinkMate, and Alcohoot Edge. Commenting on the report, an analyst team said: The latest trend gaining momentum in the market is growing need for smarter, simpler devices. Breath analyzers have seen massive upgrades