Psychedelic Breath (stylised as PSYCHEDELIC BREATH®) is a registered breathwork method developed by German psychologist Eva Kaczor in Berlin in 2017. The method combines rhythmic breathing techniques with breath retention and electronic music to induce altered states of consciousness, and is by today taught by more than 500 certified instructors across 16 countries.
Overview
Psychedelic Breath is described as a structured breathwork practice that uses connected, rhythmic breathing patterns in combination with breath holds (retention) to shift mental and emotional states. Unlike many breathwork traditions that involve lying down, Psychedelic Breath is typically practised in a seated position, which its practitioners say supports a more present, introspective experience.
A defining feature of the method is its integration of electronic music as an intentional structural element. Kaczor has stated that the method was inspired by Berlin's dance-floor scene, and that the frequency and rhythm of electronic music are used deliberately to deepen the altered-state experience and create a sense of inner and collective connection among participants.
Each session is structured around a thematic arc—ranging from topics such as intuition, vision, and releasing limiting beliefs to manifestation and purpose, delivered through spoken guidance during the practice.
History
Eva Kaczor developed the breathwork method in spring 2017 while living in Berlin. She had previously pursued careers in psychology, brand strategy, yoga teaching, and purpose coaching. Kaczor has described the origin of Psychedelic Breath as arising from a meditative insight during which she envisioned developing "a highly spiritual yet physical practice" combining breathwork, electronic music, and intuitive guidance.
The first dedicated soundtrack for the method was created by German electronic music producer Acid Pauli (Martin Gretschmann), a collaboration that developed through sessions at Kaczor's Berlin apartment. The resulting soundtrack premiered publicly at the Burning Man festival in 2018, performed aboard the Mayan Warrior art car.[1] Since that premiere, Kaczor has collaborated with approximately 18 electronic music artists to create dedicated Psychedelic Breath soundtracks.
Since its founding, the method has been presented at conferences and corporate events for organisations including Google, Netflix, and Porsche, as well as at international music festivals.
Technique
A Psychedelic Breath session typically consists of three phases:
- Active breathing phase: Participants engage in rapid, rhythmic connected breathing (continuous inhale-exhale without pause) set to electronic music. This phase is intended to shift brain activity from beta waves—associated with ordinary waking consciousness—into alpha waves, associated with relaxed attention and what researchers describe as a "flow state" till a theta brainwave allowing participants to tap into their subconsciousness and accumulating into possible gamma brainwaves that are associated with mystical experiences and sudden insights.
- Breath retention phase: Participants hold their breath following the active breathing phase. Kaczor and practitioners report that this phase is where participants most commonly experience deep insight, clarity, or a peaceful feeling to be without thoughts.
- Integration and rest: A period of stillness and reflection following the breathwork.
Sessions are conducted in silence apart from the music and spoken guidance. There is no requirement for verbalisation or movement during the practice.
Proposed mechanisms
Transient hypofrontality
Proponents describe the neurological basis of Psychedelic Breath effects using the concept of transient hypofrontality, a phenomenon described in the scientific literature by exercise scientist Arne Dietrich.[2] The theory holds that sustained rhythmic exertion—whether physical exercise or controlled breathing—temporarily reduces metabolic activity in the prefrontal cortex, the brain region associated with analytical thinking, self-monitoring, and executive function. Reduced prefrontal activity is associated with diminished self-criticism and increased openness to novel experience.[3]
Brainwave progression
Practitioners describe a sequential shift through brainwave states during a session:
- Beta waves (ordinary waking state) at baseline
- Alpha waves (relaxed focus, flow state) emerging during active breathing
- Theta waves (deep meditative state, associated with the hypnagogic threshold between waking and sleep) during sustained practice; this state is associated with subconscious accessibility and is also used in clinical hypnotherapy
- Gamma waves (high-frequency oscillations associated with heightened awareness and integrated cognitive processing) reportedly experienced by some participants, and associated with states practitioners describe as mystical or visionary[4]
CO₂ reduction
The controlled hyperventilation involved in connected breathing reduces carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the blood, producing temporary changes in blood chemistry (respiratory alkalosis) and cerebral blood flow.[5] These physiological changes are associated with tingling sensations, altered perception, and in some cases vivid visual or emotional experiences.
Comparison with psychedelic-assisted therapy
The method's name derives from research comparing outcomes of intensive breathwork practices with those reported in psychedelic-assisted therapy studies. A study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that outcomes from certain styles of breathwork showed similarities to outcomes reported in psychedelic-assisted therapy trials, including in measures of mystical experience and well-being, despite no substances being used.[6] Researchers have proposed that breathwork of this type activates brain regions involved in emotional processing and self-awareness.
Emotional release
Psychedelic Breath practitioners and session participants frequently report the release of stored or suppressed emotions during sessions. Proponents draw on concepts from somatic psychology and trauma-informed practice, suggesting that unresolved emotional experiences are held in the body's connective tissue and nervous system, and that the physiological activation produced by the breathing technique allows these to surface and discharge. This is often described using the phrase "e-motion — energy in motion."
Distinction from other breathwork methods
Kaczor has described Psychedelic Breath as distinct from other contemporary breathwork methods in its primary orientation. She states that most breathwork traditions—including Holotropic Breathwork, developed by Stanislav Grof, and Rebirthing breathwork—were developed with trauma processing and emotional healing as their central aims. Psychedelic Breath, by contrast, is described as designed for insight, vision, and the exploration of life purpose, with altered states positioned not as therapeutic intervention but as access to creative potential and self-knowledge.
Other technical distinctions include the seated practice position (as opposed to lying down), the use of electronic music as a structural component, and the emphasis on breath holds as the primary vehicle for altered states.
Teaching and certification
As of 2026, Psychedelic Breath operates a teacher training programme offering certification in the method. Kaczor reports that more than 500 instructors have been certified across 16 countries. Teachers are described as being expected to bring their own thematic voice and life experience to session guidance, rather than following a standardised script.
The method is a registered trademark. Training programmes are offered in-person with Kaczor and through an online format.
Founder
Eva Kaczor was born in Stuttgart and is based in Berlin, Germany. She holds a diploma in psychology and has held professional roles in brand strategy, yoga instruction (Vinyasa, Yin), and life coaching, with a focus on life purpose. She has described her personal trajectory as moving from a burnout at age 31 toward a practice integrating somatic healing, breathwork, and purposeful creativity. Kaczor has presented at corporate and public events internationally and identifies as a speaker on purpose and human potential. She operates an app-based membership platform, the Purpose Space, which offers access to Psychedelic Breath sessions and breathwork programmes.
See also
References
- "Acid Pauli & Eva Kaczor – Psychedelic Breath Ritual – Mayan Warrior – Burning Man 2018". SoundCloud. Mayan Warrior. 2018.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|url=(help) - Dietrich, Arne (2003). "Functional neuroanatomy of altered states of consciousness: the transient hypofrontality hypothesis". Consciousness and Cognition. 12 (2): 231–256. doi:10.1016/S1053-8100(02)00046-6. PMID 12763007.
- Dietrich, Arne; Audiffren, Michel (2011). "The reticular-activating hypofrontality (RAH) model of acute exercise". Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. 35 (6): 1305–1325. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2011.02.001. PMC 3712187. PMID 21315762.
- Lewis-Healey, Evan; Tagliazucchi, Enzo; Canales-Johnson, Andres; Bekinschtein, Tristan A (August 2024). "Breathwork-induced psychedelic experiences modulate neural dynamics". Cerebral Cortex. 34 (8) bhae347. doi:10.1093/cercor/bhae347. PMID 39191666.
- Havenith, M. N.; Leidenberger, M.; Brasanac, J.; Corvacho, M.; Carmo Figueiredo, I.; Schwarz, L.; Uthaug, M.; Rakusa, S.; Bernardic, M.; Vasquez-Mock, L.; Pérez Rosal, S.; Carhart-Harris, R.; Gold, S. M.; Jungaberle, H.; Jungaberle, A. (2025). "Decreased CO2 saturation during circular breathwork supports emergence of altered states of consciousness". PLOS ONE. 3 (1): 59. doi:10.1038/s44271-025-00247-0. PMC 11994804. PMID 40223145.
- Kartar, A. A.; Horinouchi, T.; Örzsik, B.; Anderson, B.; Hall, L.; Bailey, D.; Samuel, S.; Beltran, N.; Bouyagoub, S.; Racey, C.; Nagai, Y.; Asllani, I.; Critchley, H.; Colasanti, A. (2025). "Neurobiological substrates of altered states of consciousness induced by high ventilation breathwork accompanied by music". PLOS ONE. 20 (8): e0329411. Bibcode:2025PLoSO..2029411K. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0329411. PMC 12385377. PMID 40864618.
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