© © Marta Kowalska
June 30, 2023
Margit Hiebl
The Berlin-based psychologist Eva Kaczor explains Psychedelic Breath: a dynamic breathing technique with electronic music that leads to meditative states of consciousness. This is how the breathing ritual works.
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Psychedelic Breath: Breathing technique for altered states of consciousness
Whether at the Burning Man Festival in the Black Rock Desert, at team events, or in individual sessions: Thousands of people are regularly accompanied on a journey to themselves by the Berlin psychologist and purpose coach Eva Kaczor. Her method is called Psychedelic Breath – a dynamic breathing technique that works with electronic music and can lead to meditative states of consciousness. We spoke with Eva Kaczor about her breathing ritual, which aims to connect people with their inner knowledge.
What is Psychedelic Breath?
A dynamic, ancient breathing ritual that can naturally lead one into different states of consciousness. And it works with electronic music, deep house, mostly with a live DJ set. This is how I want to connect people with their inner knowledge: what they know without having learned it. It is a way into a meditative state that can also go very deep.
How does Psychedelic Breath work?
We start with two minutes of fast breathing. Then 30 seconds of not breathing. It builds up to four minutes dynamically breathing and one minute of breath retention. However, this is not a rigid rule – everyone can decide how fast they breathe and how long they don't. In total, there are ten cycles. It is not a relaxed breathing technique, but a conscious activation in the sympathetic nervous system.
What role does music play, does it set the pace?
No – but the music tracks have a dramaturgy and are adapted to the breathing cycles. Each has a connotation that I also convey with words: It starts rhythmically and slowly. In cycles five and six, we go deep into the emotion, which doesn't have to feel nice – the tracks are rather dark. Then they become more melodic again and lift the mood.
Do you also work with essential oils and incense?
At first, I use peppermint and eucalyptus, also to clear the airways. Then come invigorating citrus notes, later spiritual scents of frankincense, copal, or palo santo, which also have a cleansing effect. Finally, calming lavender and sandalwood.
How often should one go on this journey?
Everyone has to discover that for themselves. The entire session – we also set topics and provide explanations – lasts 90 minutes. Doing that every day would be unrealistic. You can also make shorter sessions out of it, otherwise maybe once a week? I find it nicer to have integration time and see what happens in your life as a result.
The technique involves ten breathing cycles: You start with two minutes of fast breathing, followed by 30 seconds of breath retention. It escalates to four minutes of dynamic breathing and one minute of no breath. Everyone can decide how fast to breathe and how long to pause.
No, Psychedelic Breath is not a relaxed breathing technique but a conscious activation in the sympathetic nervous system. It's about dynamic, active breathing that can be energizing and trigger deep emotional processes.
The music does not dictate the pace, but it has a dramaturgy adapted to the breathing cycles. It starts rhythmically and slowly, becomes darker in cycles five and six (when it goes emotionally deeper), and then becomes more melodic to lift the mood. Mostly, live DJ sets are used.
A full session lasts about 90 minutes and includes explanations and thematic introductions. There are also shorter versions for personal practice at home.
Psychedelic Breath is offered in various settings: at festivals like Burning Man, at corporate team events, in group sessions, and also in individual one-on-one sessions. The technique can be practiced in both large groups and intimate settings.
Since the technique deliberately activates the sympathetic nervous system and can trigger emotional processes, people with certain pre-existing conditions (cardiovascular issues, mental illnesses) should consult a doctor beforehand. In general, it is important to learn the technique initially with an experienced guide.
