Can breathwork actually make you feel high?
Yes. It can. But it’s not as straightforward as it sounds, which is exactly why we’re taking a closer look with this comprehensive guide into Psychedelic Breathwork practices.
What is Psychedelic Breathwork?
Psychedelic-style breathwork refers to conscious breathing techniques designed to induce altered states of awareness, similar to those triggered by psychedelic substances like psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), LSD, mescaline (from peyote), and DMT (present in Ayahuasca). Through specific patterns of breath, often supported by music, movement, and a safe setting, practitioners can access non-ordinary states of consciousness that promote deep emotional release, spiritual insight, and inner healing.
Unlike psychedelic substances, breathwork relies solely on the power of the breath to unlock these transformative states, making it a natural and accessible method for many. In the sections below, we’ll explore the roots of these practices, common techniques, potential benefits, what the experience is like, how to try it at home, what science says, and key safety considerations.
Origins and History of Psychedelic Breathing
Breath as a gateway to altered states traces back thousands of years and are still widely practiced today. Across cultures and continents, breath has long been recognized as a bridge between body, mind, and spirit. In India, pranayama yogic breathing was developed not just for health, but for awakening higher states of spiritual consciousness. In China, qigong breathing was used to balance and control life force energy (qi) for health, healing, and accessing meditative clarity. Indigenous cultures around the world, such as Amazonian and Siberian shamanic traditions, used rhythmic breathing, often accompanied by drumming or chanting, to enter trance states for healing, vision quests, and spiritual guidance. Psychedelic breathwork has deep roots both in ancient traditions and modern psychology.
A Short History and Overview of Modern Psychedelic-Style Breathwork
In the 1960s and 70s, as psychedelics became restricted, psychiatrist Stanislav Grof and his wife, Christina, developed Holotropic Breathwork as a drug-free way to access similar altered states. They drew inspiration from yogic breathing, meditation, and shamanic rituals, creating a method that uses fast, deep breathing and evocative music to unlock emotional and spiritual experiences. Holotropic Breathwork quickly became central to transpersonal psychology and influenced many other practices.
Around the same time, Leonard Orr introduced Rebirthing Breathwork, using connected breathing to release trauma, often to revisit and heal one’s birth experience. Both Holotropic and Rebirthing gained popularity during the 70s self-awareness movement, proving that breath alone could access non-ordinary states.
In more recent years, breathwork has gone mainstream through figures like Wim Hof, whose method, blending intense breathing, cold exposure, and breath retention, taps into the nervous system and can produce euphoric or trance-like states.
These methods, along with Shamanic Breathwork and modern variations like Neurodynamic Breathwork, all share the same foundation: conscious, often accelerated breathing that shifts awareness. Whether rooted in ancient spiritual practices or modern science, they aim to simulate the emotional depth and expanded perception often linked to psychedelics, without substances.
We recently did a masterclass on Shamanic Breathwork. If you want to access it, become a Soul Dimension Breathwork Member here.
Benefits of Psychedelic Breathwork
Practitioners of psychedelic-style breathwork report a wide range of benefits, spiritual, psychological, and physiological. While formal research is still catching up, countless anecdotal accounts and some emerging studies suggest that these breathing practices can positively impact well-being. Below are some of the key benefits claimed:
- Spiritual and Transpersonal: Many people consider these breathwork sessions to be profound spiritual experiences. The altered state can lead to feelings of unity, transcendence, and connection, for example, breathers often report a sense of oneness with the universe or encounters with the divine. Mystical or visionary moments (seeing meaningful imagery, feeling guided by a higher power) are common. In one clinical report, 82% of participants had “transpersonal” or mythic experiences during Holotropic Breathwork. Practitioners say this opens them to a higher consciousness, providing insight into existential questions and a deep sense of meaning. In essence, breathwork can facilitate states similar to meditation or near-death experiences that bring about spiritual epiphanies and a lasting sense of being “more than” one’s ordinary self. These transcendent experiences often foster greater spiritual insight, compassion, and connectedness in daily life.
- Emotional and Psychological: Psychedelic breathwork is well known for its capacity to dredge up and release suppressed emotions. By hyper-oxygenating the body and quieting the thinking mind, the breather creates space for unresolved feelings to surface, this can result in catharsis, such as bouts of crying, screaming, or laughter during a session. Although sometimes intense, this emotional release can be profoundly therapeutic: participants often emerge feeling lighter, as if decades-old emotional baggage was lifted. Breathwork sessions are likened to years of therapy condensed into hours, helping people process trauma, grief, and anger in a somatic way. For example, case reports have documented trauma healing, one 2021 clinical case showed a firefighter’s PTSD symptoms went into remission after eight weekly breathwork sessions. Even in non-clinical settings, people commonly report reduced stress and anxiety after breathwork. In fact, a meta-analysis of 12 studies found breathwork practices were associated with significantly lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression (with small-to-moderate effect sizes) compared to control groups. Beyond alleviating negatives, breathwork can foster positive psychological growth: practitioners frequently note increased self-awareness, insight, and creativity after their sessions. The intense inner journey can lead to personal revelations, recognizing destructive patterns, discovering one’s inner strength, or developing a new perspective on past events. Over time, a regular breathwork practice might improve overall emotional resilience and empathy; one study of 10 breathwork sessions noted participants had decreases in anger, anxiety and depression, and an increase in joy and life satisfaction afterward. In summary, the psychological benefits range from immediate stress relief and mood lift to long-term shifts in personal development and emotional healing.
- Physical and Physiological: Although primarily known for mental and spiritual effects, breathwork also influences the body in measurable ways. One immediate benefit is deep relaxation after release, following an intense session, as the breathing slows, the body transitions into a parasympathetic state (rest-and-digest mode), often yielding a feeling of profound calm and “lightness”. People report sleeping better and feeling less tension in their muscles. The controlled hyperventilation can act almost like a vigorous workout for the autonomic nervous system: it stimulates the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) during the heavy breathing, then rebounds into parasympathetic dominance during recovery, which may improve nervous system flexibility and stress tolerance. Physiologically, breathwork causes changes in blood gases, the low CO₂ (hypocapnia) and temporary hypoxia during practices like Wim Hof’s method trigger a hormonal cascade (spiking adrenaline and endorphins). The result can be an endorphin rush and analgesic effect (natural pain relief) after sessions, contributing to the reported euphoria and “runner’s high” sensation. Some practitioners also claim long-term health benefits: improved lung capacity and respiratory function (since breathwork trains deeper, more efficient breathing), better immune function (Wim Hof’s feats demonstrate immune modulation), and even alleviation of certain conditions. There are anecdotal reports of asthma symptoms improving, blood pressure reduction, and greater energy and stamina from regular practice. While such results are individual and shouldn’t replace medical care, they align with the idea that breath is a powerful regulator of the body. At the very least, engaging in breathwork teaches one to breathe more fully and consciously, which can translate into lower daily stress levels, better oxygenation, and a heightened sense of vitality.
The benefits of psychedelic-style breathwork are holistic, touching the mind, heart, and body. Spiritually, it can be enlightening; psychologically, it can be healing and empowering; physically, it can be balancing and energizing. It should be noted, however, that research is still growing. While many participants report “life-changing” benefits and some studies support improvements in well-being (stress reduction, etc.), these practices are best viewed as complementary to other wellness or therapeutic approaches. Individual experiences vary: one person may have a breakthrough insight or emotional release, while another simply finds it relaxing. Overall, when practiced safely, psychedelic breathwork offers a potent means of self-exploration that can catalyze positive changes on multiple levels.
The Experience: What It Feels Like During and After
One of the most intriguing aspects of psychedelic-style breathwork is how powerful the subjective experience can be. People often describe their sessions as voyages through intense physical sensations, surges of emotion, and dream-like visions. Here we outline what you might feel during a deep breathwork session and in the aftermath, based on common reports:
During a Breathwork Session: At the start, as you begin breathing faster and deeper, you may feel a bit of dizziness or light-headedness, which is due to changing levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. Quickly, many practitioners experience tingling or buzzing sensations, often starting in the fingers, hands, feet, or around the mouth. Your face and limbs might feel numb or vibratory; this is a known effect of hyperventilation (sometimes called “tetany”, where hands may clench into a claw-like position temporarily). These odd sensations are normal and transient. As the breathing continues, a feeling of energy rushing through the body is common, some describe it as a wave or current moving inside, which can be overwhelming but also euphoric. You might notice your heart rate up and a flush of warmth or, conversely, some people feel chills; temperature perception can swing as adrenaline rises and then falls.
Mentally and emotionally, deep breathwork often quiets the thinking mind and opens the door to altered states. With your eyes closed and music playing, it’s common to enter a trance-like state where visuals, memories, or symbolic images begin to surface. Many people report vivid sensations, seeing colors, reliving childhood scenes, or encountering mystical imagery. Emotions can rise suddenly and intensely, leading to laughter, tears, or shouting without clear reason. This emotional release is part of the process. Physically, you might feel your heart pounding or energy building in the chest, followed by a sense of lightness or clarity. Some describe a “peak” moment, an emotional breakthrough, a powerful insight, or even a near-mystical experience like ego dissolution or re-living birth. These states can be overwhelming but often lead to deep calm or a feeling of resolution. Facilitators often say, “the only way out is through,” encouraging breathers to stay with the experience until it naturally shifts.
Immediately After a Session: When the active breathing period ends, participants typically lie quietly during a cool-down phase. In this transition, many feel a profound sense of calm, relief, and even bliss. The body, having been flooded with adrenaline and endorphins, now settles, and people frequently report a tranquil, almost meditative state. “I felt I was riding a wave of joy, grinning from cheek to cheek, unaware of everyone around me,” one participant described. It’s common to feel light and free, as if a weight was lifted. The term “afterglow” is often used: a period of clear-headedness and contentment that can last for hours or days. On a physical level, you might notice your mind is very quiet and your body is loose. Any earlier dizziness or tingling will subside once normal breathing resumes, usually within minutes.
Emotionally, after a cathartic session, people feel tender and open. It’s not unusual to experience a lingering sense of gratitude, love, or connectedness, e.g. some express that they feel reconnected to their true self or to the world around them. However, you can also feel vulnerable as you integrate whatever came up. Fatigue is another common after-effect: “Breathwork can release traumas and pent-up energy, which can leave you feeling tired,” notes one breathwork coach. Indeed, intense emotional work is tiring, so don’t be surprised if you want to rest or even nap afterward. This fatigue is often coupled with a contented calm, rather than the drained feeling one might have after crying in everyday life. Some describe it as “pleasantly spent”, like after a good workout for the soul.
In the hours and days following a session, many report positive shifts: for instance, clearer thinking and a fresh perspective on personal issues. Some experience vivid dreams that night as the mind continues processing. Physiologically, you may notice being more aware of your breath and posture in daily activities, a sign that the practice has increased your mindfulness of the body. People often feel more “present” and in the moment, as if the mental chatter has reduced. A boost in mood is common; endorphins released can create a mild euphoria lasting into the next day. One meta-review noted that breathwork tends to reduce cortisol (stress hormone) and can improve subjective well-being, which aligns with these reported after-effects.
Finally, many practitioners emphasize the importance of integration after breathwork. Immediately after, it can help to journal about the experience or draw an image (as in Holotropic practice) to capture any insights. Sharing with a trusted friend or group can also solidify the emotional processing. In integration, the intense sensations and revelations of the session are gently digested and made meaningful for one’s life. When done properly, this integration phase can extend the benefits of the experience, turning momentary insights into lasting positive change.
In summary, the sensations during psychedelic breathwork range from physically intense (tingles, dizziness, energy waves) to emotionally overwhelming (surges of grief, joy, fear) to profoundly mystical. The feelings after tend toward peace, clarity, and openness, sometimes mixed with exhaustion and wonder. As one facilitator quipped, “It’s like doing a sky dive within your own psyche, terrifying for a moment, exhilarating, and ultimately liberating.” And just as with a skydive, the afterglow of having faced something immense often leaves people with a renewed zest for life and confidence in their inner healing ability.
What Science Says About Psychedelic Breathwork
In recent years, scientists have begun exploring the effects of psychedelic-style breathwork, and while the research is still in early stages, the findings so far are promising. Case reports and small-scale studies suggest that breathwork can help with trauma, anxiety, depression, and overall emotional well-being. One 2021 case, for example, documented a patient with severe PTSD who achieved full symptom remission after eight breathwork sessions. Other studies on techniques like Conscious Connected Breathing have shown improvements in mood and reductions in anger, stress, and anxiety over time. A 2023 meta-analysis of twelve randomized trials reinforced this, showing that breathwork interventions led to noticeable improvements in stress and mental health compared to control groups.
Holotropic Breathwork, in particular, has a history of clinical use. A 12-year study with over 11,000 psychiatric inpatients reported that most participants had deep transpersonal experiences and no negative side effects when sessions were properly supervised. That’s significant, especially considering how intense the process can be. Beyond emotional healing, scientists are also looking at what breathwork does inside the body. Hyperventilation techniques shift CO₂ and pH levels in the blood, which in turn affects brain activity, helping explain the vivid visuals and altered perceptions many people experience. In Wim Hof’s method, breath holds after hyperventilation cause temporary low oxygen, triggering a rush of endorphins and dopamine. A landmark 2014 study even showed that his students could consciously trigger an adrenaline response strong enough to suppress inflammation, something previously thought impossible. Neuroimaging studies are also underway, with some data suggesting brainwave changes similar to those seen in moderate-dose psychedelic sessions.
In the therapy world, experts like Dr. Richard Davidson have pointed out that breathwork can create neuroplastic changes, just like deep meditation or psychedelics. Some therapists use Holotropic Breathwork to help clients access non-verbal trauma, while others apply it in integrative and transpersonal therapy settings. And even outside of clinical work, people often describe breathwork as “therapy without words”, something that helps unlock emotional and creative blocks, ease chronic stress, or bring about spiritual clarity. While more research is certainly needed, the early evidence supports what breathwork practitioners have long reported: it’s a legitimate tool for accessing altered states and supporting healing. As more studies compare breathwork with other modalities like meditation or pharmacological treatments, our understanding will grow. But even now, breathwork is being taken seriously by scientists, therapists, and wellness professionals alike, for good reason.
How to Practice Psychedelic Breathwork at Home (Safely)
If you’re curious to experience psychedelic-style breathwork for yourself, it’s important to begin in a safe and supportive environment. While a gentle version can be explored at home with careful preparation, many people find that guided sessions, whether one-on-one or in a group, offer a deeper, more grounded experience.
Participating in a facilitated setting, such as a live masterclass or workshop, can help you feel held and supported as you navigate these non-ordinary states. Sessions like the upcoming online Soul Dimension Masterclass on Psychedelic Breathwork provide an accessible way to explore these techniques in a safe container, especially for those new to the journey.
Begin by setting up a quiet, low-light space free from distractions, somewhere you can lie down or sit comfortably without being disturbed. Make sure the area is safe and free of any sharp or hard objects nearby. Keep a blanket within reach, as your body temperature may shift during the experience. An eye mask can be helpful to block out light and support a deeper inward focus.
If possible, invite someone you trust to stay nearby for support. They don’t need to do anything; just having a calm, grounding presence close can offer an added sense of safety and reassurance as you explore altered states through the breath.
Before starting, you may want to set an intention for your journey, such as releasing tension or staying open to what comes up. It’s optional, but can be a helpful touchstone for your experience.
Music also plays an important role. Choose instrumental tracks that gradually build in energy and taper off toward the end, this helps support the emotional and energetic flow of the session.
When you’re ready, begin breathing deeply through your mouth down into your abdomen in a continuous, even rhythm, with no pauses between inhale and exhale. It might feel strange at first, but keep going and your body will settle in, and you’ll find your rhythm. Sensations like tingling or energy moving through your body are normal.
If the sensations or emotions become too intense at any point, it’s absolutely okay to slow your breathing or even take a pause. While psychedelic breathwork can bring about powerful, euphoric states, it may also surface deep emotions that are surfacing to be released. You might feel like laughing, crying, or moving around, or shaking. The key is to stay connected to your body and listen closely to what it needs.
This isn’t about pushing through or overwhelming yourself. It’s about creating space for insight and healing at a pace that feels safe. For most people, starting with 15–20 minutes of active breathing allows for a meaningful yet gentle experience.
When you feel complete, stop and lie still. Let your breath settle and take time to rest. This is when insights often land. Play some music that helps you to access calm and integrate the experience.
Afterward, drink some water, have a light snack, and reflect. Journaling or gentle movement can help integrate what came up. Give yourself time, what you just did is powerful.
Just remember: when practicing breathwork alone, safety comes first. Never do this while driving or in water. Always lie down in a secure space. If you have any medical conditions, especially related to the heart, breathing, or mental health, check with a healthcare provider first. And don’t push yourself. Start gently. You can always go deeper over time. That said, if you want to explore this in a safe and supported way, Soul Dimension’s upcoming Psychedelic Breathwork masterclass is a great opportunity to experience the full practice with experienced guidance.
Sources
- Breathless Expeditions, History of Breathwork: Origins of this Ancient Healing Practice
- Wikipedia (Stanislav Grof), Development of Holotropic Breathwork after LSD ban
- MAPS Bulletin (Eyerman, 2013), Clinical report on 11,000 breathwork sessions
- Verywell Mind, Holotropic Breathwork: Benefits and Risks
- Irish Independent, Fiona Sherlock, personal breathwork experience (2022)
- The Guardian, Sundar Balasubramanian on breathwork traditions (2024); Zoom breathwork class account
- Breatheology, Does Breathwork Release DMT? (2020) (reports of psychedelic-like visions)
- Omega Institute, Linda Star Wolf bio (Shamanic Breathwork)
- Rebirth Your Life blog, summary of breathwork case studies
- Scientific Reports (Fincham et al., 2023), Breathwork meta-analysis results
- Radboud Univ. (Kox et al., 2014), Wim Hof method study (immune and adrenaline effects)
- Primal Trust, Holotropic Breathing Guide (practical session structure)
