Can Breathwork Release DMT?
Is it possible that something as simple as breathing could unlock profound, psychedelic-like states? For years, practitioners of intense breathwork techniques, like Holotropic Breathwork or Conscious Connected Breathing, have reported vivid visions, emotional breakthroughs, and even mystical experiences. Some claim these states may be linked to the release of DMT, often referred to as the “spirit molecule.”
DMT, or dimethyltryptamine, is a naturally occurring compound found in plants, animals, and humans. It’s known for its powerful psychedelic effects when taken in certain forms, but there’s a growing fascination with the idea that we might produce it naturally—and that breathwork could be a key to unlocking its potential.
But is there truth to this? Does breathwork really trigger the release of DMT, or is something else at play? In this blog, we’ll explore the science and the mystery, exploring what DMT is, the theories behind its connection to breathwork, and what modern research says about this intriguing phenomenon.
What is DMT?
To understand the claim that breathwork might release DMT, it helps to start with the basics. DMT, or dimethyltryptamine, is a naturally occurring compound found in various plants and animals, including humans. It’s known for its powerful effects on consciousness, earning it the nickname “the spirit molecule.”
The Role of DMT in the Human Body
Scientists have discovered that DMT is produced endogenously—that is, naturally within the body. Research suggests it may be synthesised in the pineal gland, a small pea-shaped structure in the brain often called the “seat of the soul” in spiritual traditions (Barker et al., 2018). DMT has also been detected in the lungs and other tissues, though its exact function remains a mystery.
One of the most fascinating theories is that DMT plays a role in altered states of consciousness, such as dreams, near-death experiences, and moments of profound spiritual awakening. While the evidence is still emerging, it raises a question: could breathwork practices, which often induce deeply altered states, be linked to DMT release?
Why DMT is Called the Spirit Molecule
The term “spirit molecule” was popularised by Dr. Rick Strassman, whose groundbreaking research in the 1990s studied the effects of DMT on human volunteers. Participants in his studies frequently described their experiences as mystical, involving vivid imagery, a sense of connection to something greater, or encounters with otherworldly entities (Strassman, 2001).
These reports have fuelled curiosity about the role of DMT in human consciousness and its potential connection to breathwork. Could a natural process within the body, triggered by something as simple as intentional breathing, lead to similar transcendental states?
How Breathwork is Thought to Release DMT
The idea that breathwork can release DMT is both fascinating and controversial. While scientific research on the direct connection is limited, several theories attempt to explain how intense breathing techniques might trigger the release of this mysterious compound—or at least create experiences that feel similar to a DMT-induced state.
The Theory: Activating Endogenous DMT Production
One popular idea is that specific breathwork techniques, particularly those involving rapid, rhythmic, or deep breathing, may stimulate the release of DMT in the brain. Advocates suggest that breathwork practices might "activate" this gland, leading to a flood of DMT into the brain and inducing vivid, altered states of consciousness.
However, while the pineal gland has a symbolic and spiritual significance in many traditions, there’s little direct scientific evidence linking breathwork to increased DMT production. The presence of DMT in the human brain and its precise role remain largely speculative (Barker et al., 2018).
Mechanisms That Could Mimic DMT-Like States
Even if breathwork doesn’t directly release DMT, it’s clear that these practices can create powerful shifts in consciousness. Here are some potential mechanisms that might explain these experiences:
Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Fluctuations:
Intense breathwork can alter the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Temporary mild hypoxia (low oxygen levels) and increased carbon dioxide can change brain activity, leading to feelings of euphoria, vivid imagery, or even a sense of detachment from the body.Activation of the Limbic System:
Breathwork can stimulate the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for emotions, memory, and arousal. This activation may explain why people often experience emotional breakthroughs, vivid memories, or heightened sensory perception during breathwork sessions.Endorphin and Neurotransmitter Release:
Intense breathing may trigger the release of endorphins and other feel-good neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals can create states of bliss, relaxation, or even euphoria, which might feel similar to the effects of DMT.Altered Neural Oscillations:
Breathwork has been shown to influence brain wave activity, shifting the brain into states associated with deep relaxation or heightened creativity. These altered states of consciousness can feel profound, even without the involvement of DMT (Frecska et al., 2016).
Experiential Evidence: What Practitioners Report
Many people who practice intense breathwork describe experiences that bear a resemblance to those reported by DMT users. These include:
Vivid visual imagery, including fractals, lights, or symbolic figures.
A sense of connection to something greater, often described as spiritual or transcendent.
Emotional catharsis or breakthroughs.
Profound insights about life, relationships, or personal challenges.
While these experiences may not definitively prove a link to DMT, they highlight the transformative potential of breathwork as a tool for exploring altered states of consciousness.
The Current Consensus
While the evidence suggests that breathwork can induce powerful altered states, the scientific community remains cautious about attributing these effects to DMT. It’s possible that the experiences people report during breathwork are the result of a unique combination of physiological changes, psychological factors, and the brain’s natural capacity for altered states, rather than the release of DMT itself.
The Mystery of the Breathwork Experience
Even without definitive proof that breathwork releases DMT, one thing is clear: breathwork can take us into profoundly altered states of consciousness. The depth and richness of these experiences often defy easy explanation, touching on something beyond what science alone can quantify.
Beyond DMT: The Power of Natural Altered States
Whether or not DMT is involved, breathwork consistently opens the door to altered states of consciousness. These states can feel psychedelic in nature, offering vivid visuals, deep emotional release, and profound spiritual insights. However, unlike psychedelics, breathwork allows you to access these states naturally, without the need for external substances.
This process might not rely on DMT at all. Instead, it may stem from a combination of factors, including the release of endorphins, shifts in brain wave activity, and the body’s innate ability to process stored emotions and trauma. Breathwork often creates a space where the mind and body can connect, revealing insights that feel deeply personal and transformative.
The Role of Intention and Environment
One of the unique aspects of breathwork is how much the experience is shaped by personal intention and the environment in which it’s practised. Setting the right mood—through music, safe facilitation, or a supportive group setting—can enhance the emotional and spiritual depth of the practice.
Additionally, the way you approach breathwork matters. When people enter a session with openness and curiosity, they’re often more likely to experience powerful shifts. In contrast, chasing a specific outcome, like a DMT release, can sometimes limit the experience by creating expectations that aren’t guaranteed.
Breathwork as a Gateway to Healing
Perhaps what makes breathwork so mysterious and compelling is its ability to help people access deep parts of themselves. Many practitioners report:
A sense of connection to something greater, whether that’s a spiritual force, nature, or their own inner wisdom.
Emotional breakthroughs, such as the release of grief, anger, or joy.
A new perspective on life challenges, relationships, or personal growth.
These outcomes may not rely on DMT but on the inherent power of the breath to facilitate healing, self-awareness, and transformation.
It’s Not Just About Chemistry
At its core, breathwork isn’t just about the chemicals in our brain or the physiological processes it activates—it’s about the human experience. Breathwork offers us a tool to explore our consciousness, release what no longer serves us, and reconnect with ourselves in a way that feels deeply meaningful.
Can Breathwork Replace Psychedelics?
Breathwork and psychedelics are often compared because of their ability to induce profound altered states of consciousness. While they share similarities, they are fundamentally different experiences. Each has unique benefits, limitations, and applications, but can breathwork truly serve as a natural alternative to psychedelics?
How Breathwork is Unique
Control and Accessibility:
Breathwork is entirely self-directed. You can control the intensity, pause if needed, and practice it in a safe, legal setting. Unlike psychedelics, breathwork doesn’t require substances or specialised environments.Safety and Integration:
Psychedelics can sometimes lead to overwhelming experiences or “bad trips,” especially without proper guidance. Breathwork, when facilitated by trained practitioners, offers a safer space with built-in integration as the session ends.Frequency and Cost:
Breathwork can be practised regularly and at a low cost, making it a more accessible tool for ongoing self-care and exploration. Psychedelic journeys, on the other hand, are typically more infrequent and often require significant preparation and support.
Where Psychedelics Might Offer More
While breathwork can mimic certain aspects of psychedelics, it may not replicate all of their effects. Psychedelics like DMT or psilocybin work on specific serotonin receptors, creating experiences that are uniquely tied to their chemical interactions with the brain. These can include:
Profound ego dissolution, where the sense of self completely dissolves.
Encounters with otherworldly entities or realms, which are common in DMT experiences.
Changes in brain connectivity that promote long-term shifts in perception and behaviour.
Breathwork may approach these effects but might not achieve the same intensity or specificity.
Why Breathwork is a Valuable Alternative
For those seeking personal growth, healing, or exploration without using substances, breathwork offers a powerful and accessible path. It allows individuals to experience altered states while maintaining agency and grounding. Importantly, it can also complement psychedelic work, offering a way to integrate insights and continue the journey in a more accessible, ongoing way.
What is Conscious Connected Breathwork?
CCB is a technique where the inhale and exhale are connected without pauses. The breathing is typically deep, fluid, and circular, often guided by a trained facilitator. By maintaining this pattern for an extended period, participants may experience:
A heightened sense of presence.
Emotional breakthroughs or releases.
Deep relaxation and inner peace.
Spiritual or transcendent states, including vivid imagery or profound insights.
How CCB Mimics Psychedelic Experiences
Altered States of Consciousness:
The continuous, oxygen-rich breathing pattern in CCB can lead to shifts in brainwave states, often moving from beta (focused and alert) to theta (relaxed and introspective). This mirrors the brainwave activity seen in psychedelic experiences (Frecska et al., 2016).Emotional Catharsis:
CCB helps unlock and release suppressed emotions stored in the body. Many participants report experiencing spontaneous tears, laughter, or even physical sensations as old emotional energy is processed.Enhanced Sensory Perception:
During a CCB session, people often describe heightened sensory awareness, including vivid mental imagery, a sense of unity with the environment, and an altered perception of time.Neurochemical Shifts:
While CCB doesn’t directly release DMT (to our current knowledge), it can trigger the release of endorphins, serotonin, and other feel-good chemicals, creating states of euphoria and calm.
The Role of the Facilitator in CCB
A trained facilitator is key to guiding the experience safely and effectively. Facilitators create a supportive environment where participants feel comfortable exploring their inner world. They may use music, verbal guidance, and grounding techniques to enhance the process.
Facilitators also ensure the practice remains trauma-informed, allowing participants to move at their own pace and offering support if overwhelming emotions arise.
CCB as a Practice for Everyday Transformation
Unlike psychedelics, CCB is something you can integrate into your life regularly. You don’t need substances, and the practice can be tailored to your needs—whether you’re seeking clarity, emotional release, or simply a sense of peace.
The idea that breathwork might release DMT is fascinating. It sparks curiosity about the profound ways our breath connects us to our biology, consciousness, and even the mysteries of existence. While the scientific evidence linking breathwork directly to DMT is still inconclusive, the transformative potential of breathwork—especially practices like Conscious Connected Breathwork—is undeniable.
Breathwork offers a safe, accessible way to explore altered states of consciousness, process deep emotions, and reconnect with yourself. Whether or not DMT is involved, the experiences people have during breathwork sessions—emotional breakthroughs, vivid imagery, and spiritual insights—are real, meaningful, and often life-changing.
