Experimental Therapies — Legal & Safety Notice
Several therapies listed (psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine) are controlled substances in most countries. This information is educational only.
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Breathwork
Mind-Body
Clinical trials specifically in cancer patientsBreathwork encompasses a range of conscious breathing techniques that directly regulate the autonomic nervous system. For cancer patients, breathwork provides an immediately accessible tool to reduce anxiety, control chemo-related nausea, improve sleep, and restore a sense of bodily agency. Techniques range from gentle coherent breathing (5.5 breaths/min) which has strong RCT evidence for anxiety and HRV improvement to deeper practices like holotropic breathwork for emotional release. Unlike most therapies, breathwork can be practised daily in bed during active treatment.
Conditions Addressed
How It Works
Slow, diaphragmatic breathing (56 breaths/min) directly stimulates the vagus nerve via baroreceptors in the lungs and carotid sinus, activating the parasympathetic nervous system and increasing heart rate variability (HRV) a marker of resilience. Box breathing and 4-7-8 breathing lower cortisol, reduce amygdala reactivity, and quiet the default mode network. CO2 tolerance training (extended exhales) reduces the physiological anxiety response to carbon dioxide accumulation, which drives panic.
What a Session Looks Like
Self-guided daily practice of 520 minutes. Key techniques: Coherent breathing (inhale 5.5s, exhale 5.5s); Box breathing (4-4-4-4); 4-7-8 technique; Alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana). Apps: Othership, Wim Hof app, Insight Timer. Group breathwork sessions (6090 minutes) available in many wellness centres. Holotropic breathwork (extended sessions producing non-ordinary states) requires a trained facilitator.
Cautions & Considerations
- Hyperventilation techniques (rapid breathing) can cause dizziness, tingling, or fainting always practise seated or lying down
- Breath retention practices not recommended for patients with cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, or during pregnancy
- Holotropic breathwork can trigger strong emotional releases requires a trained facilitator in a safe setting
- Patients with respiratory complications from lung cancer or pulmonary fibrosis should consult their oncologist before extended practice
- Never practise hyperventilation-based techniques in water or near water