Circular breathing—also called conscious connected breathing (CCB)—has gained attention for its capacity to unlock deep emotional states and support personal transformation.

At Open, circular breathing is a foundational element of Transformational Breathwork, a practice that includes both the 3-part breath and the circular breath. While different in technique, both approaches share a central goal: to strengthen the body-mind connection and reveal insights about your internal world through intentional, conscious breathing.

What Is Circular Breathing?

Circular breathing is a technique in which the inhale and exhale are continuous with no pauses. The breath forms an unbroken loop, typically done through the mouth, with a relaxed belly and open chest. This can help bypass the thinking mind and activate altered states of consciousness. 

This state allows access to deeper layers of the psyche, much like psychedelic therapy, but without substances. Participants often experience emotional release, profound insights, and even somatic sensations that help process unresolved trauma.

How does it differ from other breathwork styles?

Most breathwork practices, like pranayama or box breathing, focus on relaxation, stress reduction, or energy flow. Circular breathing, by contrast, is about catharsis and deep self-exploration. This breathing pattern can lead to temporary hyperventilation, reducing the blood's carbon dioxide and shifting the brain’s chemistry. This creates a gateway to non-ordinary states of consciousness.

While that might sound intense, it is a safe practice to do with a trained facilitator. You’re encouraged to let go, feel fully, and trust the process.

What is the science behind emotional release?

Trauma and repressed emotions aren’t just stored in the brain, but also in the body. This is well documented in somatic psychology and trauma research, especially by experts such as Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score. His work suggests that traditional talk therapy often isn’t enough to fully release trauma, especially when it’s preverbal or stored outside of conscious memory.

Enter breathwork.

One study found that altered states of consciousness induced by conscious connected breathing techniques can lead to improved emotional regulation, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and greater self-awareness. Participants often reported long-term shifts after just a few sessions.

How can circular breathing build emotional resilience?

Circular breathing allows you to experience your emotions without judgment, fostering resilience and flexibility in the face of challenges. As you become more comfortable with discomfort, you can develop the ability to be present and flexible when facing challenges.

This process makes you less reactive and more aware of your emotional landscape. You recognize old triggers, pause before lashing out, and soften where you used to armor up. And that’s where real transformation begins.

Boosting focus

Circular breathing facilitates emotional release and enhances focus and clarity. This is due to its effect on the autonomic nervous system, shifting it from a stress-induced state to a relaxed one, resulting in both physical and mental calmness.

Combining temporary changes in blood chemistry and introspection during a session often leads to mental clarity and a renewed sense of purpose. This is highly beneficial for those in high-pressure environments, such as creatives and entrepreneurs.

Strengthening the mind-body connection

Another key benefit of circular breathing is the return to body awareness. In a culture dominated by overthinking, breathwork brings you back into the body. You notice subtle cues, like tension in your chest, butterflies in your gut, and a clenched jaw. These sensations become information, guiding how you move through the world.

Over time, this translates into greater emotional intelligence. You stop reacting impulsively. You learn to ride emotional waves rather than get swept up in them. This awareness creates space for more conscious choice.

Emotional release with Open

In person

Our in-studio transformational breathwork classes are an immersive mind, body, and audio experience. With the guidance of your Open teacher, you’ll practice the 3-part breath technique with music and sound to regulate the nervous system, develop resilience, and reset for what’s next. 

Ready to join us? Check out our weekly schedule and find a time that Breath + Sound works for you. 

On demand

Whether at home or on the go, our on-demand library is at your fingertips. Try one or more of the sessions below to experience the power of transformational breathwork. 

Circular Breath w/ Crussen (10 min)

Increase energy levels and clear your mind with the circular breathing pattern.

3 Part Reset w/ Olivia O. (15 min)

Clear your mind and drop into the body with three rounds of 3-part breath.

Stress Cycle w/ Louis L. (10 min)

Practice using breath to actively release the physical and emotional tension that builds up in the body.

Final thoughts

Circular breathing isn’t just a tool but a pathway to a lighter, more self-aware version of yourself. Whether you’re looking to release emotional tension, sharpen your mental focus, or reconnect with your body, this practice offers a direct route inward.

Whether you explore circular breathing or find another style that fits you better, we encourage you to try Open for free and explore our library of on-demand breathwork exercises. No experience required.