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Research . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Research . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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From Awakening to Volatility: The Emotional Threshold Shift in Intensive Breathwork Practice — The Annihilation of Emotional Buffering

Authors: HealerRiz, Riz;

From Awakening to Volatility: The Emotional Threshold Shift in Intensive Breathwork Practice — The Annihilation of Emotional Buffering

Abstract

Breathwork is widely promoted as a regulatory practice capable of calming the nervous system, releasing trauma and restoring emotional balance. While its therapeutic potential is well documented in experiential contexts, the long term effects of repeated high intensity practice remain insufficiently examined. This working paper explores the hypothesis that sustained autonomic activation and repeated emotional disinhibition may lower inhibitory thresholds and recalibrate baseline emotional reactivity in certain individuals. It argues that the same mechanisms that facilitate access to suppressed material may also sensitize anger pathways, reduce buffering capacity and increase volatility when activation outpaces integration. Rather than dismissing breathwork’s benefits, this analysis calls for mature scrutiny of its threshold effects, particularly where families observe subtle but measurable shifts in tolerance and restraint. The paper situates intensive breathwork practice within a neurophysiological and behavioral framework, emphasizing the relationship between activation, inhibition and emotional buffering.

Keywords

Breathwork, Breath Holding, Behavioral Adaptation, Emotional Threshold, Breath Tests/adverse effects, Limbic Activation, Emotional Volatility, Vagus Nerve, Trauma Integration, Autonomic Nervous System, Emotional Regulation, Psychophysiology

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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