Comparing Effects of Intense Breathwork to Meditation on Altered States of Consciousness

Airways to Alteration: Investigating the Impact of Breathwork & Meditation on Conscious State

This study aims to investigate the impact of high ventilation breathwork (HVB) and meditation on altered states of consciousness (ASCs). The study will compare the effects of a single guided HVB session to a single guided body scan meditation session. The primary aim is to explore the impact of HVB and meditation on ASCs, while secondary aims relate to mental health and wellbeing.

The study is a randomised controlled trial (RCT) involving up to 24 healthy adult participants who have prior experience with HVB. Participants will be randomly allocated to either the HVB or meditation group. The study will assess outcomes such as altered states of consciousness, mystical experiences, emotional breakthroughs, and overall wellbeing.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy adults in Brighton and the surrounding area
• Prior experience practising high ventilation breathwork in the form of conscious connected breathing
• No history of adverse events during such prior breathwork sessions.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of hypotension
• Hypertension
• Respiratory or cardiovascular problems
• Fainting or syncope
• Epilepsy or seizures
• Panic disorder or panic attacks
• Cerebral aneurysm
• Pregnancy (and possibility one might be pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding)
• Breathlessness
• Bradypnea
• Tachypnoea
• Any mental/physical issues affecting the ability to engage in breath control activities.