The role of non-ordinary states of consciousness occasioned by mind-body practices in mental health illness.
Silvia J. Franco-Corso, Kate Y O'Malley, Saleena Subaiya, Danielle Mayall, Elias Dakwar
Journal of Affective Disorders August 15, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.116 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Open-label Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Meditation yoga breathwork shamanic drumming |
| Topics | Breathwork Meditation Altered states of consciousness |
| Keywords | Affective disorders Mind-body practices Substance use disorders |
| Citations | 12 |
| Key findings | Preliminary evidence suggests that NOSCs induced by mind-body practices correlate with short-term improvements in anxiety, depression, motivation to change addictive behaviors, and well-being. |
Abstract
Research with hallucinogens suggests that non-ordinary states of consciousness (NOSCs), particularly mystical-type experiences, predict improvements in various affective disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs). Little is known, however, about the therapeutic potential of NOSCs induced by mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga and breathwork. We conducted a literature review in online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) and preprint databases (SSRN, bioRxiv) to identify studies of NOSCs induced by mind-body practices and their effects in affective disorders and SUDs. A wide variety of mind-body practices involving physical movement (i.e., shamanic drumming, yoga) and deliberate immersive experiences (i.e., meditation, breathwork) have been reported in the literature. Preliminary evidence, mostly from qualitative studies and open label studies, suggest that mind-body practices produce NOSCs. These experiences have also been correlated with short-term reductions in anxiety and depression, with increased motivation to change addictive behaviors, and with enhanced self-awareness and well-being. Findings are limited by the scarcity of literature in this field. Further rigorous and methodologically sound empirical research is needed, including comparative studies of NOSCs occasioned by different methods. Mind-body practices may represent a promising approach for treating mental health disorders. The NOSCs induced by such practices may lead to beneficial shifts in perceptions, values, beliefs, and behaviors. Given the challenges with hallucinogen-based therapies, mind-body practices may represent a more accessible and acceptable way of eliciting potentially helpful NOSCs in clinical practice.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on altered states of consciousness, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anomalous Cognition: An Umbrella Review of the Meta-Analytic Evidence | 2022 | Systematic review | |
| The Altered States of Consciousness in Transpersonal Approach Psychotherapy: Systematic Review and Guidelines for Research and Clinical Practice. Adults, mostly women | 2019 | Systematic review | n = 14 |
| The Induction of Dissociative States: A Meta-Analysis. Individuals from clinical and nonclinical samples | 2025 | Meta-analysis | n = 6,692 |
| Ketamine-induced altered states of consciousness: a systematic review of implications for therapeutic outcomes in psychiatric practices. Patients with mood disorders (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder), substance... | 2024 | Systematic review | n = 29 |
| Measuring Altered States of Consciousness in Virtual Reality: A Systematic Analysis of Assessment Methods | 2026 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 15
- Exploration of trance states: phenomenology, brain correlates, and clinical applications Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences May 9, 2024
- Chaplains in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy: Rationale and Competencies Journal of Religion and Health February 28, 2026
- Neurobiological substrates of altered states of consciousness induced by high ventilation breathwork accompanied by music PLoS One August 27, 2025
- Psychedelics, Harm Reduction, and Life's Big Questions: Making Sense of Spirituality and Religion After the Journey Anthropology of Consciousness August 27, 2025
- Unravelling the role of mind-body therapies in paediatric palliative care: A narrative review. Acta Paediatrica May 1, 2024
and 10 more in the library
Cites 80
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences November 23, 2011
and 75 more in the library