Dr Iker Puente - Subjective Effects of Holotropic Breathwork and Psychedelics: A Comparison

Holotropic breathwork and psychedelic-assisted therapy are compared regarding their ability to induce altered states of consciousness. Transpersonal psychology serves as the theoretical framework for understanding the shared capacity of these techniques to trigger mystical experiences. The presentation outlines findings from several studies that utilize the States of Consciousness Questionnaire to measure the incidence and quality of such phenomena. Evidence indicates that holotropic breathwork, when practiced in a safe and supportive context, consistently generates states comparable to low-to-moderate doses of psilocybin. While the proportion of participants reporting a complete mystical experience is slightly lower than in high-dose psychedelic clinical trials, the qualitative dimensions of the sessions, such as feelings of unity and positive mood shifts, are remarkably similar. These results suggest that deep self-exploration is accessible through breathwork-based protocols without pharmacological intervention.