Psychedelic Breathwork is an umbrella term for Breathwork modalities that aim at eliciting psychedelic experiences, that is, altered, non-ordinary, and expanded states of consciousness for the participant.
The idea behind these types of Breathwork is to achieve mindful and meditative ways of looking at emotional, mental, and spiritual issues in order to realize new and fresh insights in oneself, in others, and in the world around us, which may lead to personal development and growth, increased awareness, and enhanced creativity and intuition.
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Typically, psychedelic Breathwork involves deep and rapid Conscious Connected Breathing for extended periods of time — actually creating a state of controlled hyperventilation — affecting one’s consciousness because of lower levels of Carbon Oxide (CO2). As it is, low CO2 levels in the body constrict blood vessels and can create psychedelic, extraordinary visual, and special mental-emotional effects because of the reduced blood flow and subsequently reduced Oxygen (O2) amount to the brain.
Additionally, evocative music, intentional touch, movement, exercises, guided meditation, visualization, and bodywork may be used to unblock the free flow of Vital Life Force through the body and support Catharsis i.e. emotional and trauma release.
Mind, however, that Psychedelic Breathwork is rather prone to having some particular risks involved and prompting uncomfortable side effects.
In any case, some of the popular forms of psychedelic Breathwork are Holotropic Breathwork, Rebirthing Breathwork, Bioenergetic Breathing, Shamanic Breathwork, and Radiance Breathwork, among other Breathwork modalities.
