This project investigates the safety profile of high ventilation breathwork (HVB). HVB has been shown to reliably induce altered states of consciousness (ASCs) comparable to psychedelics and has demonstrated multiple positive effects on mental health in clinical and non-clinical populations. Although HVB is regarded as generally safe when considering contraindications, intense somatic,...
Chronic pain is a major public health problem. Due to the persistent, costly, and complex nature of chronic pain, there is a need for new safe and effective treatments. Integrative breathwork interventions, or therapeutic styles of conscious breathing, have promise as novel treatments for chronic pain. The primary objective of this proof-of-concept study was to examine the feasibility,...
CureusApril 23, 2026T Devipriya, R Divya, A Sureshbalaji R et al.
Background Reaction time (RT) constitutes a fundamental psychomotor parameter reflecting neurocognitive efficiency and sensorimotor integration capacity. Bhramari Pranayama, characterized by prolonged humming exhalation, demonstrates promising neurocognitive enhancement potential through parasympathetic activation mechanisms. This investigation aimed to evaluate immediate changes in auditory...
Abstract Background: Yoga, rooted in the spiritual discipline of ancient Indian sages, has been widely adopted as a means to promote psychological well-being in modern times. Despite growing interest, rigorous scientific evaluation of the specific effects of Asanas (postures) and Pranayama (breathing techniques) on the psychological health of homemakers remains limited. Objectives: This study...
Stress and HealthMarch 5, 2026A. G. Little, Matthew J. Stainer, Alex Sandy MacQuarrie et al.1 citation
Paramedicine students experience disproportionately high rates of anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia compared to the general population, placing them at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder and long-term psychological distress. Breathwork has emerged as a promising self-regulation intervention that may enhance resilience and wellbeing while reducing symptoms of mental illness. This...
ABSTRACT We used a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of a virtual breathwork meditation program (i.e., Sudarshan Kriya Yoga [SKY]) on wellness in counselors‐in‐training ( N = 42). Participants’ overall wellness and sub‐domains of wellness were assessed by the Five Factor Wellness Inventory at pre‐, post‐, and 1‐month follow‐up. Findings indicated that SKY significantly...
Frontiers in PsychologyFebruary 25, 2026Natalie L. Dyer, Meredith Sprengel, Ivo V. Stuldreher et al.
Background: The human body radiates multiple biological fields which can be measured with sensors directly on or off the body. These electromagnetic fields are hypothesized to be altered by mind and body practices. The primary goal of the current study was to evaluate the feasibility of continuous multi-sensor monitoring during meditation and breathwork practices. It also explored methods to...
Amidst the growing prevalence of anxiety disorders and the limitations of existing treatments, there is a need to expand treatment options beyond conventional therapy and medication. The popularity of breathwork has grown enormously, but it is still in the process of creating a robust body of evidence to validate its utility. This research employs a true-experimental design to compare pretest...
This paper introduces Movement-informed Breathwork (MiB), a personalised breath-body approach with biofeedback that integrates a form of conscious connected breathwork (breathing without pauses) with targeted neuromuscular contraction and relaxation cycles. Drawing from neuromuscular torque chain dynamics, fascial research and sensorimotor trauma therapy principles, MiB aims to enhance...
Chittodvega, described in Ayurvedic literature as a Vata-dominant Manasika Vyadhi, closely resembles Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to its shared features of mental agitation, fear, intrusive thoughts, irritabil-ity, and insomnia. This case study evaluates the therapeutic effect of cyclic Raj yoga meditation, Bhramari Pra-nayama, deep abdominal breathing, and Om chanting on a...