Unlocking Altered States with Active Breathwork: A Scientific Journey

Breath is life—yet it may also be a fast track into the subconscious. Active breathwork, especially when paired with evocative music, is emerging as a powerful non-pharmacological method to elicit altered states of consciousness resembling those induced by psychedelics. Recent scientific studies are beginning to illuminate how and why these experiences arise.

High-Ventilation Breathwork: What Happens in the Brain & Mind?

A breakthrough study published in PLOS One and reported by ScienceDaily on September 2, 2025, examined how high-ventilation breathwork (HVB) with music can induce states of unity, bliss, and emotional calm—collectively known as “oceanic boundlessness” (OBN)—similar to those reported with psychedelics.

Key findings included:

Reduced negative emotions and greater emotional insight.

Decreased blood flow to sensory regions tied to bodily awareness.

Increased blood flow to emotion-processing areas like the amygdala and hippocampus.

Subjective experiences that mirrored psychedelic journeys.

These discoveries provide a neurological basis for why breathwork can open doors to altered states once thought possible only through plant medicine or synthesized psychedelics.

Circular Breathwork and Consciousness

Circular forms of breathwork—like Holotropic and Conscious-Connected breathing—add another layer. They typically involve continuous accelerated breathing, evocative music, and sometimes communal settings. Physiological changes, such as drops in CO₂ saturation and cortical vasoconstriction, contribute to these experiences. But context—music, setting, and facilitation—appears just as important as physiology in shaping what emerges.

Brainwaves, Complexity & Psychedelic Resonance

Research combining EEG with subjective reports shows that breathwork increases neural complexity and shifts brain dynamics in ways similar to psychedelics. This suggests that breathwork reorganizes consciousness by altering connectivity and opening space for subconscious material to surface.

Enter 9D Breathwork: A Next-Level Experience

Where traditional breathwork relies on breathing techniques and music alone, 9D Breathwork layers multiple dimensions of stimulation to amplify access to subconscious and psychedelic-like states.

What makes it “9D”?

Immersive Soundscapes: Binaural beats, multi-layered music, and sound frequencies that entrain brainwaves.

Guided Journey: Voice prompts designed to move participants through themes like release, empowerment, or healing.

Somatic & Vibrational Cues: Vibrasound or tactile stimulation adds a physical dimension, anchoring the body while the mind expands.

Visualization & Storytelling: Participants are guided into archetypal or symbolic landscapes, enhancing subconscious exploration.

Together, these elements create a full-sensory experience that helps bypass analytical thought and drop directly into deeper brain states. Many participants report psychedelic-like visions, emotional breakthroughs, and spiritual insights—without the use of substances.

Clinically and experientially, 9D Breathwork is now being integrated into wellness retreats and therapeutic programs as a safe, scalable way to facilitate healing, inner journeying, and trauma release.

Practical Tips: Accessing Subconscious States Safely

Set the Stage Right – use music, intention, and safe facilitation.

Choose the Technique – from HVB to Holotropic, or immersive 9D Breathwork.

Monitor Physiology – especially with hyperventilation; avoid if health conditions contraindicate.

Reflect and Integrate – journaling, therapy, or group sharing anchor the insights gained.

Why Active Breathwork Matters
Advantage Explanation
Non-pharmacological No drugs, fewer legal/ethical barriers
Neurophysiological basis Altered states have measurable brain correlates
Scalable Adaptable for groups, retreats, or individuals
Multi-sensory evolution (9D) Adds sound, vibration, and guidance for deeper access
Final Thoughts

Science is confirming what ancient practices long suggested: breath is a portal. Active breathwork—and especially 9D Breathwork—offers a powerful way to touch the subconscious, evoke psychedelic-like states, and spark healing or insight. With safety, skilled guidance, and integration, breath becomes not just survival, but transformation.

​Check out all the various breathwork events at Blue Lotus Wellness and sign up for our next one to experience transformational healing!