Journal of Psychedelic Studies
December 15, 2021
Malin V. Uthaug, Natasha L. Mason, Martha N. Havenith et al.
15 citations
A naturalistic observational study of 58 Czech-speaking adults found that a single session of Holotropic Breathwork (a breathing technique intended to produce altered states of consciousness) was associated with lasting improvements in non-judgment, satisfaction with life, and reductions in stress-related symptoms. Although participants reported only low levels of psychedelic-like experience (averaging 0–34% on a 100% scale), the increase in non-judgment appeared sub-acutely and persisted for four weeks. Satisfaction with life increased and stress symptoms decreased at the four-week follow-up.
Commun Psychol
April 13, 2025
Martha N. Havenith, Max Leidenberger, Jelena Brasanac et al.
14 citations
Altered states of consciousness (ASCs) similar to those induced by psychedelics can be achieved through circular breathwork, a non-pharmacological practice. During breathwork sessions, deliberate hyperventilation reduces end-tidal CO2 pressure, which is significantly correlated with the onset of ASCs. The depth of these ASCs predicted subsequent improvements in well-being and reductions in depressive symptoms. Two forms of breathwork, Holotropic and Conscious-Connected, produced highly similar outcomes. The findings identify physiological conditions for ASCs outside of drug use, suggesting breathwork's potential as an accessible psychotherapeutic tool.
Research Square
February 22, 2024
Martha N. Havenith, Max Leidenberger, Jelena Brasanac et al.
3 citations
Circular breathwork, which involves deliberate hyperventilation, can induce altered states of consciousness (ASCs) comparable to those produced by psychedelics, without the legal, medical, or financial barriers. A reduction in end-tidal CO2 pressure due to hyperventilation is instrumental in catalyzing these ASCs. The depth of the ASCs predicted psychological and physiological follow-on effects, including improved well-being and a reduction of depressive symptoms. Two popular forms of breathwork—Holotropic Breathwork® and Consciously-Connected breathwork—produced highly similar physiological, experiential, and psychological outcomes. These findings outline physiological boundary conditions for ASCs in a non-pharmacological context and suggest breathwork's potential as an accessible psychotherapeutic tool.
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
September 8, 2025
Malin Vedøy Uthaug, Giancarlo Allocca, Martha N. Havenith et al.
1 citation
The paper introduces the concept of 'bodyset'—the state of the body, including both body and brain—as a vital element in preparing for psychedelic experiences, expanding the traditional 'set and setting' framework. Through a literature review, it argues that the body likely matters for wellbeing, peak performance, and peak experiences. Comprehensive multidisciplinary research, especially on biomarkers, is needed to clarify the role of bodyset in psychedelic experiences and therapy outcomes. The authors suggest that considering physical state alongside psychological and environmental factors may enhance understanding of psychedelic effects and inform other treatments like breathwork.
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
June 26, 2026
Malin V. Uthaug, Jack G. Allocca, Martha N. Havenith et al.
A new construct called Pivotal Physical States (PiPS) is proposed as the bodily counterpart to Pivotal Mental States (PiMS). PiMS theory holds that psychedelics and stressors like fasting and hypoxia can trigger transformative mental states via serotonin receptor activation, enhancing cognitive flexibility and learning. The paper argues that these same stressors also induce profound bodily changes through the peripheral serotonin system and other somatic mechanisms, creating 'pivotal states' spanning the mind–body continuum. This dual action may enable psychological and physiological recalibration in positive or negative directions depending on moderators. The authors call for empirical validation of PiPS to guide integrated research and therapeutic applications.
bioRxiv Preprint Server
January 14, 2026
Muad Y. Abd El Hay, Ana Cukić, Marieke L. Schölvinck et al.
preprint
Psychedelic substances show promise for treating psychiatric disorders, but their therapeutic mechanisms remain poorly understood. A review of 266 rodent studies from 2014 to 2026 finds systematic disconnects between animal research and human therapy conditions. Most studies contain stress-inducing factors: only 14% reported active-phase testing, 7% environmental enrichment, and 21% refined handling; drug administration almost universally used stress-inducing methods. Behavioral assays rely on brief, constrained testing with isolated markers that fail to capture the multidimensional nature of psychedelic states. The authors argue that improving translation requires a shift from brief testing of stressed, isolated animals toward longitudinal tracking of individuals in enriched social environments.