Breathwork Research

Scientific interest in breathwork has grown considerably in recent years. Researchers are investigating whether deliberate changes in breathing can influence stress, anxiety, mood, emotional wellbeing, sleep, and other aspects of psychological and physiological functioning. This growing interest reflects both the widespread use of breath-based practices and increasing recognition of the close relationship between breathing, the nervous system, and mental experience.

Research findings to date are encouraging. A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found that breathwork was associated with reductions in self-reported stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms compared with control conditions. Other reviews have similarly reported beneficial effects, particularly for stress and anxiety. At the same time, researchers have identified limitations in the existing evidence, including relatively small studies, differences between breathing interventions, and variation in research quality. (PubMed)

An important point is that breathwork is not a single intervention. Studies have examined quite different breathing practices, delivered in different ways and for different purposes. Results from one type of breathing practice cannot automatically be assumed to apply to all forms of breathwork. Well-designed controlled studies are particularly important because expectations, attention, relaxation, and other aspects of taking part in a breathing programme can themselves influence outcomes. (PubMed)

Breathwork research is therefore an emerging field rather than a settled body of evidence. The findings so far provide reason for continued investigation, while leaving important questions about which approaches are effective, for whom, under what circumstances, and through what mechanisms. More detailed research into particular breathwork approaches—and into GRMT specifically—is considered separately in the Research & Evidence section of this website.