Altered states of consciousness induced by breathwork accompanied by music

Connections to Existing Traditions and Practices

• Many see the protocol as closely related to yogic pranayama, holotropic breathwork, and other “circular breathing” methods (no pause between inhale/exhale).
• Commenters link it to long-standing indigenous and religious practices (shamanic drumming, sweat lodges, Sufi dhikr, church rituals, meditation retreats), arguing the West is “rediscovering” old empirical techniques.
• Some emphasize that these traditions are not “mumbo-jumbo” but experience-based systems that modern neuroscience is only now mapping.

Mechanism, Definitions, and Safety

• The breathing is described as deliberate, sustained hyperventilation synchronized with increasingly intense music.
• Users note strong physiological effects (lightheadedness, tingling, intense emotions), likening it to “advanced hyperventilating until you feel lightheaded.”
• Concerns raised about potential side effects: seizures (especially with light/sound machines), cardiovascular risks, and the long-known warnings around doing pranayama incorrectly.
• There’s debate over what “altered state of consciousness” means; some see the term as vague, others point to established clinical inventories and neuropsychological frameworks.

Therapeutic Claims and Ethics

• Breathwork is discussed as a tool for trauma release, addiction (especially alcoholism), anxiety regulation, and emotional processing.
• Strong emphasis from some on the need for skilled, trustworthy facilitators; others say vetting is very difficult and suggest word-of-mouth recommendations.
• Ethical concerns arise around group sessions in workplace/team contexts and around practitioners implying clinical credentials or psychotherapy-style authority without formal licensing.

Technology, Music, and Tools

• Several report powerful states from light-and-sound “mind machines,” phone apps that strobe the camera flash, VR experiences, and binaural beats—sometimes compared to mild psychedelic experiences.
• Others find them uncomfortable or potentially seizure-inducing, and note that the evidence for brainwave “entrainment” is unclear.
• Commenters share playlists (e.g. “Shamanic Breathwork”) and discuss how rising tempo and rhythmic structure may help drive the state.

Anecdotes, Skepticism, and Meta-Discussion

• Many describe transformative experiences via meditation retreats, holotropic sessions, ecstatic dance/EDM, choir singing, or breathwork workshops.
• Others are skeptical of grandiose or pseudo-scientific claims (especially extreme “biohacking” stories) and the commercialization targeting stressed founders.
• Meta-thread: tension between welcoming unconventional healing narratives, maintaining scientific rigor, and protecting vulnerable readers from unsubstantiated or risky practices.