Intensive breathing linked to altered consciousness and brain communication

AI Summary

A brain-imaging study found that intensive breathing exercises can reduce cerebral blood flow and alter communication between brain networks. Participants reported altered perceptions and other experiences resembling some effects of psychedelics; researchers say shifts in brain communication may be central to the state.

Intensive breathing exercises can reduce blood flow to the brain by up to 45% and alter communication between brain networks, according to a new brain-imaging study. Participants reported experiences resembling some effects of psychedelic drugs, including altered perception, vivid mental imagery, a sense of unity and changes in self-experience. The researchers, presenting the work at the ECNP Congress in Munich, say changes in brain communication, rather than reduced blood flow alone, appear to be key to the altered state.