"New Study: Limited Psychological Benefits of Breathwork Beyond Placebo Effect"
A study published in Scientific Reports suggests that coherent breathing, a popular relaxation technique, may not offer significant psychological benefits beyond a placebo effect. The study, involving 400 participants, found no measurable difference in stress reduction, anxiety, depression, wellbeing, or sleep disturbance between those practicing coherent breathing and those using a placebo breathing exercise. While the findings are intriguing, the study's limitations include the remote delivery of the intervention and the standardized nature of the breathing practice, which may not fully capture the potential of coherent breathing. The lead researcher hopes to continue investigating the psychophysiological effects of breathwork and establish a dedicated breathwork research lab.