Introduction

Ever thought you could shift your state of mind just by how you breathe? Circular breathwork, a powerful yet simple practice, is proving that you can. Whether you’re exploring healing modalities in Thailand or looking for transformational breathwork in Koh Phangan, this island-based practice is gaining serious attention. New research is shedding light on how this breathing technique induces altered states of consciousness, similar to psychedelic trips, and brings real benefits for mental health.

In a groundbreaking study by researchers from the Ernst Strüngmann Institute and the MIND Foundation, it was found that reduced levels of carbon dioxide during breathwork sessions correlated with deep, meaningful altered states of consciousness. Even better? These changes were tied to improvements in depression symptoms and overall mental well-being.

Understanding Circular Breathwork

The Origins – From Tummo and Pranayama to Holotropic Breathwork

Circular breathwork didn’t just appear out of thin air. It’s rooted in ancient practices like Tummo (used by Tibetan monks) and Pranayama (from yogic traditions). These practices have long used breath as a spiritual and physical tool for transformation. Today, they’ve evolved into modern modalities like Holotropic Breathwork and Conscious Connected Breathing—both widely practiced in wellness hubs like Koh Phangan, Thailand.

What Makes Breathwork “Circular”?

It’s all about the rhythm. Circular breathwork in Koh Phangan means breathing in and out continuously without a pause. It creates a loop—an unbroken circle of inhalation and exhalation. That flow helps bypass the rational brain and access deeper emotional and spiritual layers.

How It’s Typically Practiced

Most sessions are done lying down, with eyes closed, guided by a facilitator. The setting often includes evocative music and group energy that helps participants go deeper. The breath is deep, fast, and uninterrupted—usually for 30 to 90 minutes. Whether you’re attending breathwork sessions in Koh Phangan or exploring the practice in your local community, it’s all about setting intentions and surrendering to the breath.

The Link Between Breath and Consciousness

Breath as a Tool to Regulate the Nervous System

Our breath is the remote control for the nervous system. Fast, deep breathing can stimulate a shift out of everyday awareness and into altered states—states where healing often happens. This is especially true during breathwork in Koh Phangan, where the serene island environment supports deep personal transformation.

How Carbon Dioxide Plays a Role in Altering Consciousness

This is where it gets fascinating. Breathwork alters the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body.

What is End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide (etCO2)? EtCO2 is the amount of CO2 you breathe out at the end of each breath. It’s an important indicator of how your body handles gases during breathing.

The Mechanism: Lower CO2 = Deeper States In the study, participants in active breathwork sessions had CO2 levels drop to 16.6 mmHg—almost half that of the control group. This drop appeared to directly correlate with how “deep” their altered states felt.

The Study Explained

Who Conducted It and Where

The study was led by researchers from the MIND Foundation and the Ernst Strüngmann Institute in Berlin. It’s among the first to deeply analyze how breathwork physiologically induces altered states.

Participants and Method

61 people participated, all with prior breathwork experience. A control group of 18 people breathed normally. Everyone was monitored for CO2 levels, emotional states, and biomarkers before and after.

Measurement Tools Used

Hand signals were used during the session to rate consciousness (1 to 5).

Surveys: Participants filled out the Mystical Experiences Questionnaire and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale.

Saliva tests checked stress and inflammation markers.

Key Findings from the Research

Reduced CO2 and Deeper Altered States

Participants who actively breathed had dramatically lower CO2 levels and reported much deeper altered states compared to the control group.

Breathwork vs. Control Group

The control group, despite the same setting and music, didn’t experience the same psychological or physical shifts—proving it’s the breath doing the magic.

Similarities with Psychedelic Experiences

Participants’ scores on the Mystical Experiences Questionnaire matched those of people on psilocybin or LSD in other studies. Think feelings of unity, timelessness, deep peace.

Mental Health Benefits of Circular Breathwork

Reduction in Depressive Symptoms

Participants showed significant drops in depressive symptoms, even one week after the session. For some, the effects were profound.

Boost in Well-Being

The Warwick-Edinburgh scale revealed noticeable improvements in mental well-being across the board.

Insights from Participant Questionnaires

People described feeling “lighter,” “more open,” and “emotionally reset.” Several said it felt like “years of therapy in one hour.”

Biomarkers and the Body’s Response

Changes in Alpha-Amylase (Stress Marker) This enzyme dropped significantly after breathwork, pointing to a relaxed, de-stressed nervous system.

Interleukin-1 Beta (Inflammation) and What It Shows There was a small spike in this marker—normal when the body is activated and moving energy. Interestingly, those with deeper experiences had smaller spikes, indicating quicker regulation.

Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Responses Breathwork starts by activating the sympathetic (fight or flight) system, then drops you into the parasympathetic (rest and digest) zone—a classic reset pattern.

Why Altered States Matter in Healing

Therapeutic Potential of Non-Ordinary States

States outside our daily awareness give us a chance to feel, process, and release buried emotions. That’s the real gold.

Comparison with Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

While psychedelics require regulation and come with legal barriers, breathwork can offer similar benefits—legally, safely, and at no cost.

Breathwork as a More Accessible Healing Modality

No Drugs, No Legal Barriers That’s what makes it so exciting. Anyone can do this, anywhere.

Safe and Cost-Effective As long as it’s done with care and guidance, breathwork is low-risk and budget-friendly. It’s healing democratized.

What Does a Typical Session Look Like?

Breath Rhythm, Music, and Setting

You lie down, breathe fast and deep, let the music guide your emotions, and surrender to whatever comes. Whether you’re in a Koh Phangan breathwork group session or participating in a private one-on-one experience, the journey is always unique.

Group Dynamics and Emotional Release

The collective energy can supercharge your journey. Laughter, tears, screaming—it’s all welcome.

Common Experiences During Breathwork

Mystical Experiences and Emotional Breakthroughs

People often report feelings of oneness, clarity, or receiving insights that shift their lives.

Visions, Bodily Sensations, and Euphoria

Tingling hands, buzzing energy, seeing colors or memories—it’s part of the ride.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Practicing

Who Should and Shouldn’t Try It

Those with heart issues, epilepsy, or severe trauma should consult a professional before joining.

Safety Tips and Facilitator Guidance

Always go with a trained guide for deeper sessions. And hydrate!

What the Future Holds

Why More Research Is Needed

This study was small and exploratory—but it cracked open a big door. We need larger studies to validate these findings.

Potential for Integration into Therapy

Imagine therapists using breathwork in sessions. It’s already happening in some places—and the results are encouraging.

Conclusion

Circular breathwork is more than just a trendy wellness hack—it’s a portal to deep, healing states of consciousness. Here on Koh Phangan, surrounded by nature and a conscious community, it becomes even more powerful. This new study backs what many practitioners have known for years: breath can heal, transform, and awaken us. And the best part? It’s already within you.

Ready to Experience It for Yourself?

🌬️ Curious about how circular breathwork can shift your state and boost your mental health?

👉 Join a guided breathwork session in Koh Phangan with Aravind and discover the healing power of your breath.

✨ Whether you’re looking to process emotions, reduce stress, or explore altered states safely—this practice is part of a growing movement of wellness experiences in Koh Phangan.

📩 DM or email akr.aravindan@gmail.com to book your Koh Phangan breathwork session
🌐 Or visit breathewitharavind.com to learn more and sign up.

Let the breath lead the way. Your transformation starts now. 🌴