Does Breathwork Release DMT? What the Science Says

Introduction

Across many cultures for centuries. From the very oldest yogic practices of pranayama to modern-day holotropic breathwork and various methods, people seek out these practices for altered states of consciousness, emotional healings, and physical vitality. Perhaps one of the most daring claims attached to the practice of breathwork has to do with its releasing DMT, a powerful hallucinogenic chemical said to occur naturally in the body.

DMT has been referred to as “the spirit molecule” for its ability to induce powerful mystical experiences in psychedelic voyages. Its reputation is further steeped in mystery since it is endogenously produced within the human body, and its function in normal brain activity and states of consciousness is little understood. But the idea that breathwork may stimulate releases of DMT becomes an intriguing one: does the science support such a claim? Below is an in-depth look at what we know about DMT, the mechanisms of breathing work, and whether they are connected.

Understanding DMT: The Spirit Molecule

What is DMT?

DMT is a naturally occurring compound and a member of the tryptamine family. Similar in structure to serotonin, DMT is a very potent hallucinogen and elicits visions, experiences of mysticism, and profound changes in consciousness. It is present in various plants, which grow within their natural environments, especially in the ones used for traditional Ayahuasca preparations. The human body contains small doses of DMT (Barker, 2018).

How Does DMT Work in the Brain?

Natural DMT: Does the Human Body Produce It?

Research has shown that DMT is produced endogenously in humans. The enzyme, tryptamine-N-methyltransferase (INMT), which synthesizes DMT, has been found in several tissues such as the lungs, brain, and arguably in the pineal gland. The detection of DMT in cerebrospinal fluid has given rise to much speculation concerning a role for this compound in states as varied as dreaming, meditation, and near-death experiences, but its actual physiological function remains unknown as of yet.

The Breathwork Phenomenon

What Is Breathwork?

Breathwork is any purposefully engaged-in and conscious breathing practices that aim to produce specific physical, emotional, and psychological effects. There is a great many forms of this type of work, and some of them are used only for relaxation, while others allow one to reach altered states of consciousness.

Popular types of breathwork include:

1. Holotropic Breathwork: The method elaborated by Stanislav Grof presupposes rapid and deep breathing on the part of the subject with the aim of producing changed states. Many practitioners report extraordinary visions and strong emotional breakthroughs (Grof, 1975).
2. Transformational Breath: This integrative method combines conscious connected breathing with body mapping and affirmations to release emotional blockages, enhance energy flow, and promote self-healing.
3. Pranayama: In general, this system came from yoga that regulates your breathing to balance your energy and promote spiritual awareness (Caldwell & Victoria, 2011).

In general, breathwork has garnered praise in reducing effectively stress, releasing one’s emotions, and spiritual awareness.

The Claim: Can Breathwork Release DMT?

The idea that breathwork releases DMT emanates from the anecdotal reports of bright, psychedelic-like experiences during intense sessions of breathing. In general, practitioners report visions, a sense of euphoria, and feelings of connectedness with the universe. These experiences certainly resemble those induced by exogenous DMT and have thusly led to speculation about a biological connection.

Mechanisms of Breathwork: What’s Really Happening?

1. Hyperventilation and Hypocapnia

In such breathwork practices as holotropic breathing, the state of rapid and deep breathing decreases blood levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) leading to a condition known as hypocapnia. This further leads to an imbalance such as alkalosis, or increased blood pH, which may be manifested by the following:

• Dizziness
• Tingling sensations
• Visual disturbances
• Altered perception

The symptoms resemble some features of a psychedelic experience, but they do not suggest the release of DMT.

2. The Sympathetic Nervous System is Activated

Methods like the Wim Hof Method engage the sympathetic nervous system, which then provokes the “fight or flight” response. This allows a surge of adrenaline into one’s system, possibly of itself eliciting sensations of alertness and even euphoria. Such sensations are profound but have nothing to do with DMT release.

3. Changes in Brain Waves

Breathwork does share some brain wave activity changes, specifically increased theta and gamma brain wave activity. These states also occur during deep meditation and psychedelic experiences; thus, it may suggest that there could be an overlap in the neural mechanisms for these altered states.

We have an article on breathwork and gammawaves

The Science: Does Breathwork Release DMT?

Subjective experiences from breathwork are quite compelling; however, scientifically, this practice is not proven to actually release DMT. Here’s why:

1. It is difficult to detect endogenous DMT.
   DMT is produced in trace amounts and thus very hard to measure. In the absence of direct evidence showing that DMT levels increase with breathwork, this hypothesis has not been proven.
2. No Known Mechanism for DMT Release
   The enzymatic pathway in synthesizing DMT involves INMT. There is also no evidence to this date showing that breathwork activates the action of this enzyme or increases production of DMT.

Why Do People Believe in the Connection?

1. Anecdotal Evidence
   Often, practitioners report transformative experiences from breathwork, similar to those during psychedelic trips. Such subjective accounts make one assume about the DMT release.
2. Similarity to Psychedelics
   Both breathwork and psychedelics can induce mystical experiences, including feelings of unity, ego dissolution, and emotional breakthroughs.
3. Speculative Interpretations of Science
   The misinterpretations of research about endogenous DMT have fed beliefs that it is responsible for altered states induced via breathwork.

The Benefits of Breathwork Without DMT

Even if breathwork doesn’t release DMT, it offers a number of benefits:

• Stress Reduction: Control over breathing decreases cortisol levels, which in turn relax and decrease the levels of stress and anxiety.
• Emotional Healing: Breathwork allows one to let go of accumulated emotions, therefore allowing a wide area of activity in trauma therapy.
• Boosting Physical Resilience: Practices like Pranayama (yogic breathing techniques) show apparent improvement in immune functions and mental clarity.
• Spiritual Exploration: Many of them find the work with breathing as very powerful means for self-discovery and spiritual growth.

Conclusion: Sorting out Facts from Myths

Although the practice of breathwork can indeed create tremendous psychological and physiological changes, there is absolutely no scientific evidence that it produces DMT in the body. The various states that occur through such types of breathing are due to changes in oxygen/CO2 levels, brain wave activity, and nervous system activation. These mechanisms could perhaps mimic certain effects of psychedelics but do not involve any hallucinogenic compounds.

Breathwork continues to be a very powerful method of achieving good mental health, emotional strength, and spiritual wellness. Its power for transformation lies in leveraging the body’s natural systems, independent of any connection to DMT.

Breathwork is a powerful tool for transformation and healing, even if it doesn’t release “the spirit molecule.” Let’s appreciate it for what it truly offers.

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