January 2024
A new randomized-controlled trial finds no significant positive effects on stress and mental health from coherent breathwork, also known as resonant frequency breathing or resonant breathing, among other terms. This is a relaxation technique rooted in many spiritual and religious traditions
The study is the largest to date (400 participants) on the subject.
The group that practiced coherent breathwork were instructed to take approximately 5.5 breaths per minute for 10 minutes, and to do this daily for four weeks.
The control group (placebo) were given nearly the same instructions, but were asked to take 12 breaths per minute, which is at the low end of a normal resting respiration rate.
“We wanted to create a placebo with equal credibility and expectancy of benefit”, said study author Guy W. Fincham to PsyPost magazine.
Both groups thus exercised some form of conscious control of the breathing pattern – and both groups showed an equally large overall improvement of mental health and wellbeing.
Anders Bolling
