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.
❓ Unknown
Intensive Breathing Exercises Linked to Altered Consciousness and Brain Communication
3w ago
October 11, 2026
1 min read
📰 Medical Xpress
📋 Key Takeaway
A new brain-imaging study presented at the ECNP Congress in Munich reveals that intensive breathing exercises can significantly reduce blood flow to the brain and alter brain communication, leading to experiences similar to psychedelic effects. This research highlights the potential psychological impacts of breathing techniques, which could be relevant in therapeutic contexts. Understanding these effects may have implications for mental health practices in Iran.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
Intensive breathing exercises may offer a new avenue for mental health treatment, with potential implications for therapeutic practices in Iran and beyond.
👥 Key Players
Researchers at ECNP Congress
MENTIONED
Conductors of the study
"Their findings could influence mental health practices and therapeutic approaches in Iran."
Mental health professionals
MENTIONED
Therapists and psychologists
"They may integrate these findings into treatment methods for mental health issues."
📰 What Happened
A new study presented at the ECNP Congress found that intensive breathing exercises can significantly reduce blood flow to the brain and alter brain communication, leading to experiences similar to those induced by psychedelics. This suggests potential therapeutic applications for mental health treatments.
- Breathing exercises can reduce blood flow to the brain by up to 45%.
- Participants reported altered states of consciousness resembling psychedelic experiences.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: This research could lead to new mental health therapies in Iran, where mental health issues are often stigmatized and under-treated.
🌍 Regional: If adopted, these practices could influence mental health strategies across the Middle East, where traditional therapies may be limited.
🌐 International: The findings may contribute to a broader acceptance of non-pharmaceutical treatments for mental health, impacting global health policies.
📚 Background
Breathing techniques have been used in various cultures for centuries, but recent studies are exploring their psychological effects in a scientific context. This research aligns with a growing interest in alternative therapies for mental health.
Mindfulness and meditation
Psychedelic therapy
📡 Source:
NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence:
70%
The study is presented at a reputable scientific congress, suggesting a focus on empirical research rather than political agendas.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
🌐
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 100%
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