Comparing breathwork and meditation effects on consciousness
Airways to Alteration: Investigating the Impact of Breathwork & Meditation on Conscious State
This study is testing whether high ventilation breathwork or meditation can help healthy adults feel different states of consciousness and improve their overall wellbeing.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Sussex Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Brighton, Sussex) |
| Trial ID | NCT06916312 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of high ventilation breathwork (HVB) compared to meditation on altered states of consciousness (ASCs) and overall wellbeing. It is a randomized controlled trial involving up to 24 healthy adults with prior HVB experience, who will be assigned to either the HVB or meditation group. The study will measure outcomes such as mystical experiences, emotional breakthroughs, and mental health improvements following a single session of each intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults in the Brighton area with prior experience in high ventilation breathwork.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems, or certain mental health conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of how different practices affect mental health and wellbeing.
How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on breathwork and meditation, this specific comparison of HVB and meditation on ASCs is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy adults in Brighton and the surrounding area * Prior experience practising high ventilation breathwork in the form of conscious connected breathing * No history of adverse events during such prior breathwork sessions. Exclusion Criteria: * History of hypotension * Hypertension * Respiratory or cardiovascular problems * Fainting or syncope * Epilepsy or seizures * Panic disorder or panic attacks * Cerebral aneurysm * Pregnancy (and possibility one might be pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding) * Breathlessness * Bradypnea * Tachypnoea * Any mental/physical issues affecting the ability to engage in breath control activities.
Where this trial is running
Brighton, Sussex
- University of Sussex — Brighton, Sussex, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Guy W Fincham
- Email: g.fincham@sussex.ac.uk
- Phone: 0872 218 2296
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.