A single session of Conscious Connected Breathing (CCB) as part of a ten-session Integrative Breathwork Psychotherapy (IBP) program produced acute physiological changes in 48 breast cancer patients hospitalized for postoperative radiotherapy. During the session, blood gas analysis showed mild respiratory alkalosis: decreased pCO2, pO2, and increased pH. Prolactin levels increased significantly, while cortisol and immunoglobulin A (IgA) decreased. These shifts suggest CCB may have immunostimulatory and stress-modulatory effects, supporting its potential as a complementary therapy for cancer patients.
During a Conscious Connected Breathing session, breast cancer patients showed significant physiological changes: blood gas levels shifted toward a slight overbreathing pattern, prolactin increased, and both cortisol and IgA decreased. These hormonal and immune changes suggest that breathwork may have immunostimulatory effects, potentially supporting cancer patients' ability to adapt to therapy. The study measured these effects in 77 patients before and during a session, finding improvements in endocrine, immune, and respiratory-circulatory functions. The authors conclude that breathwork could be a valuable complementary therapy, though further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and long-term impacts.