Is hyperventilation breathwork safe?

A new scientific study suggests that certain breathing techniques may change the way people think and feel. Some people who practise these techniques report feeling deeply connected to the universe and experiencing a stronger sense of unity.

Researchers say these experiences may occur without using illegal drugs.

What is hyperventilation breathwork?

The technique is known as hyperventilation breathwork (HVB). It involves taking fast and deep breaths in a specific way.  According to the study some people who practise this method experience changes in their state of consciousness.

Participants reported feelings of deep connection mental openness and unity with the world around them.

Researchers call these experiences oceanic states.

These states involve a feeling of connection with something larger than oneself.

How are these experiences similar to drug effects?

According to the researchers, some of the mental effects of this breathing technique may be similar to those reported by people who use moderate to high doses of psychedelic drugs such as LSD and psilocybin.

However the experiences are not exactly the same.  Visual effects such as seeing imaginary images or unusual scenes, appear to be less common with this breathing technique.

The researchers say these findings may help scientists better understand how breathing affects the human mind and how people experience changes in consciousness

Could this technique help mental health research?

Researchers believe that studying these experiences could open new ways to explore human consciousness and mental health treatments.

Hannah Adolfi, a co-author of the study affiliated with the Central Institute of Mental Health said breathing exercises could provide a legal low cost drug free way to study altered states of consciousness.

Understanding how these experiences occur may also help researchers explore new approaches to mental health care in the future.

Is fast breathing safe?

Although this technique may have interesting effects fast and deep breathing can cause dizziness tingling fainting, and other problems by changing carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

It should not be treated as a risk free exercise.

People should avoid practising intense hyperventilation alone or in situations where fainting could cause injury such as while driving swimming or standing near heights.

Anyone considering this technique should seek guidance from a qualified professional.