Take A Breather –Physiological Correlates Of A Conscious Connected Breathing Session In A Trained Group Of Breast 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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Stress and negative emotions have been demonstrated to exert a substantial impact on cancer patients, affecting their ability to adapt to therapy and the treatment's overall effectiveness. Elevated cortisol levels, a stress-induced hormone, have been shown to suppress immune system function, potentially reducing the body's capacity to combat cancer cells. Conversely, prolactin, a hormone that stimulates the immune system, has demonstrated potential in this context but requires further study. Goal The objective of this study was to investigate the physiological changes that occur during the Conscious Connected Breathing (CCB) session, as part of a larger study. The main objective was to create a new form of integrative psychosomatic intervention, called Integrative Breathwork Psychotherapy (IBP), suitable for cancer patients that would improve both their psychosomatic and immune status. Method Of all eligible consecutive breast cancer patients hospitalised for post-operative radiotherapy who were invited to participate in the study, 77 patients took part in the study (experimental group – 48 pts, controls – 29 pts, response rate: 62%). IBP had a small open group setting (up to six participants). It included ten sessions in a small open group setting, three meetings a week. Each meeting consisted of a 45-minute breathwork session (CCB – rhythmic circular breathing through the nose, deeper than usual, without breath holding) in the state of acceptance followed by free emotional expression. Patients were encouraged to exercise 15 minutes daily on the other days of the week and after the programme was completed. The factors analysed were white blood cells, lymphocyte counts, IgA, serum prolactin and cortisol concentration, arterialised capillary blood gasometry. IgA, hormone and gasometry measures were taken before the 10th session and after 30 min (2/3 of the session) when the patients gained experience and practised correctly. Results During the CCB session, the gasometry showed significant change indicating slight overbreathing pattern, including decreases in pCO2 (P=0.003), pO2 (P<0.001), CH+ (P<0.001), ctO2 (P<0.001), COHb (P=0.03), and HHb (P=0.004) alongside an increase in pH (P<0.001). Additionally, prolactin level increased (P<0.001), while cortisol (P<0.001) and IgA (P<0.001) decreased. Conclusion This study is the first to analyze changes in capillary blood gas levels and hormonal balance during Conscious Connected Breathing sessions, revealing its immunostimulatory effects. The observed improvements in endocrine, immune, and respiratory-circulatory functions suggest breathwork could be a valuable complementary therapy for cancer patients. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms involved and assess long-term psychological and immunological impacts.