Studies on connected breathing

  • As little as 8 Rebirthing sessions can lead to remission of PTSD and comorbid symptoms, such as anxiety and depression (de Wit & Moraes Cruz, 2021).
  • Completion of a Rebirthing breathwork session decreases theta and delta frequencies in frontotemporal and parietal regions in the brain. Connected breathing decreases negative affect, including tension, confusion, depression, and anger. It significantly increases self-esteem (Bahi et al., 2023).
  • Conscious connected breathing significantly decreases anxiety, depression, and anger and increases contempt (Heyda, Alicja., 2003).
  • Holotropic breathwork sessions increase life satisfaction, reduce stress-related symptoms and help people to become less judgemental (Uthaug et al., 2022).
  • A study conducted at a rehab center in Russia showed that 8 Holotropic Breathwork sessions doubles the chances of staying clean. Breathwork also more than doubles the chance to return back to treatment after a relapse. Breathwork decreases aggression and situational and personal anxiety of individuals in recovery (Emelyanenko, A., & Afanasenko, I. V., 2011) .
  • Individuals who participate in Holotropic Breathwork and psychotherapy have higher improvement in self-esteem compared to individuals who only participate in only psychotherapy (Holmes et al., 1996).
  • Holotropic Breathwork leads to an increase in personal well-being, life satisfaction, and spirituality (Puente, I., 2014).
  • Holotropic Breathwork improves self-awareness, leading to overall improvement in temperament, and character, and interpersonal conduct. Breathwork sessions lead to reduction in hostility, intrusiveness, neediness, and being overly accommodating (Miller & Nielsen, 2015).

references

Bahi, C., Irrmischer, M., Franken, K. et al. Effects of conscious connected breathing on cortical brain activity, mood and state of consciousness in healthy adults. Curr Psychol (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-05119-6

de Wit, P. A. J. M., & Moraes Cruz, R. (2021). Treating PTSD with connected breathing: A clinical case study and theoretical implications. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 5(3), 100152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejtd.2020.100152

Emelyanenko, A., & Afanasenko, I. V. (2011, April 30). Студия Холотропного ДыханияTM”HB studio”. Исследование эффективности сочетания 12 шаговой программы и холотропного дыхания в структуре реабилитации пациентов с химической зависимостью. | Студия Холотропного ДыханияTM “HB-studio.” http://holotropka.ru/node/520

Heyda, Alicja. (2003). An Impact of Conscious Connected Breathing Training on Emotional States, The Healing Breath Journal – a Journal of Breathwork Practice, Spirituality and Psychotherapy, vol.5, no 2 p. 9-18. 5. 9-18.

Holmes, S.W., Morris, R.G., Clance, P.R., & Putney, R.T. (1996). Holotropic breathwork: An experiential approach to psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, 33, 114-120.

Miller, T., & Nielsen, L. (2015). Measure of significance of holotropic breathwork in the development of self-awareness. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 21(12), 796–803. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2014.0297

Puente, I. (2014). Effects of Holotropic Breathwork in Personal Orientation, Levels of Distress, Meaning of Life and Death Anxiety.

Uthaug, M. V., Mason, N. L., Havenith, M. N., Vancura, M., & Ramaekers, J. G. (2022). An experience with holotropic breathwork is associated with improvement in non-judgement and satisfaction with life while reducing symptoms of stress in a Czech-speaking population. Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 5(3), 176–189. https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2021.00193