When Science Meets the Sacred
A recent PLOS One study, shared by PsyPost, confirms what many breathwork practitioners already know. The way we breathe can shift the way we experience life.
Researchers discovered that fast, rhythmic breathwork combined with music can safely create altered states of consciousness. These states often bring feelings of calm, unity, bliss, and emotional release.
What Happens Inside the Brain and Body
During the breathing sessions, brain scans showed clear changes in blood flow.
For example, the insula—a region linked to body awareness—showed less activity in those who reported stronger feelings of unity and peace.
Meanwhile, emotion-processing areas like the amygdala and hippocampus became more active, which may explain the emotional release many people feel afterward.
At the same time, the body shifted into a short period of “fight or flight.”
However, as the session continued, this state was followed by a deep sense of calm and balance.
Why This Matters
This research helps explain what so many have felt through practice: breathwork transforms both brain and body.
It offers a natural path to healing, emotional release, and connection — without the need for external substances.
At Confluence Breath & Bodywork, we honor both the science and the sacred.
Each session is guided with care, creating a safe space for you to breathe deeply, release stress, and reconnect with stillness.
Reference
Petrova, K. (2025, Sept 27). Researchers shed light on how breathwork can induce altered states of consciousness. PsyPost.
Summary of: Kartar, A. A. et al. (2025). Neurobiological substrates of altered states of consciousness induced by high ventilation breathwork accompanied by music. PLOS One.