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How high ventilation breathwork alters consciousness: Hypoperfusion, network dynamics, and subjective experience

Christian N Schmitz1, Marijan Bernardic2, Anamaria-Domnica Vlădoiu3

  • 1Department of Molecular Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), partner site Mannheim - Heidelberg - Ulm, Mannheim, Germany; Center for Innovative Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Research (ZIPP), Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany.

Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry
|August 1, 2026
PubMed
Summary

High ventilation breathwork (HVB) significantly reduces cerebral blood flow (CBF) but does not systematically alter default mode network (DMN) connectivity. These findings suggest dissociable neurobiological mechanisms underlie breathwork-induced altered states of consciousness (ASC).

Keywords:
BreathworkHumanHyperventilationPerfusionPsychedelicfMRI

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