So what exactly is Psychedelic Breathwork... are psychedelics actually involved?

The Power of Psychedelic Breathwork (and why it’s not what you think...)

Psychedelic breathwork is woven into almost every retreat we host. It’s one of those experiences that, once people try it, they understand exactly why it sits at the heart of what we do. We often pair it with cacao, a beautiful heart opening medicine that’s been used ceremonially for centuries to help open the body and soften the nervous system before the deeper work begins.

There’s real physiology behind why the two work so well together. Cacao contains theobromine, a gentle vasodilator that increases blood flow to the heart and brings a soft warmth through the chest, quite literally softening the heart space. Alongside it sits phenylethylamine (PEA), a compound linked to feelings of connection, openness and warmth. Together they create the physical and emotional conditions to fall deeper into the breathwork journey.

Let’s clear something up straight away though: there are no psychedelics involved in psychedelic breathwork. What you’re working with is entirely your own breath, guided in a specific rhythm that shifts your state of consciousness naturally. No substances, no external “thing” doing the work for you. Just you, your breath, and your own body’s incredible capacity to heal and shift.

And truly - that’s the whole point. We live in a world where we’re constantly encouraged to outsource our power. A glass of wine to unwind. A pill to switch off. Something external to change how we feel. Psychedelic breathwork flips that completely. It’s a totally internally driven process, powered by something you already have with you every single moment of every single day. Your breath.

Here’s the part we love most: you are always, always in control. If at any point it feels like too much, you can simply change the pace of your breathing and bring yourself right back down. No one else has the power. This is all YOU!

What Can It Actually Do For You?

For a lot of people, this work becomes genuinely transformational. If you’ve been feeling stuck, like you can’t think your way around a problem, like life has gone a bit stagnant or grey, breathwork has this remarkable way of giving you a completely different point of view. It’s not uncommon to walk in with a problem that has bee sapping you of your power - and to walk out with total clarity, a breakthrough or even a whole new way of seeing your own life.

But equally, it doesn’t need to be that dramatic every time. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is come in with zero expectations and simply let it be a reset for your nervous system. Think of it like your brain has forty tabs open, all whirring away at once. Breathwork is the moment you finally get to close them. Just space to switch off, properly.

Your Questions, Answered

Is there anything psychedelic about it - like actual substances?

No. Nothing at all. The “psychedelic” experience comes purely from the breathing pattern itself, which can shift your state of consciousness in a similar way, but there is nothing ingested, inhaled, or introduced into your body. It’s just breath.

Can I do it while pregnant?

We wouldn’t recommend breath retentions during pregnancy, as the changes in blood pressure and oxygen levels they can cause aren’t considered safe for you or baby. But if you’re comfortable enough to sit or lie down, you’re very welcome to join us and enjoy the relaxation elements of the session with those modifications in place.

Are there other reasons someone shouldn’t do breathwork?

There are a few. Breathwork isn’t generally recommended if you have cardiovascular disease or a history of heart problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, epilepsy or a seizure history, glaucoma or a detached retina, an aneurysm, or if you’ve had recent surgery. It’s also worth a conversation with us if you have a diagnosed psychiatric condition such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, or if you experience panic attacks or severe anxiety, as the intensity of the breath can sometimes bring up big sensations. None of this is about excluding you. It’s about making sure we can hold you safely. If any of this applies to you, or you’re simply not sure, drop the Tribe team a message before you book and we’ll talk it through. There’s almost always a way for you to experience this work, even if it means a gentler modification.

I’m nervous. Is that normal?

Completely. Trying something new, especially something that asks you to let go a little, can feel vulnerable. That’s exactly why the space is held the way it is. There’s always a trained facilitator with you throughout, guiding the pace and holding the room, so you’re never doing this alone.

What Our Community Says

“I genuinely didn’t know what to expect walking in. I left feeling completely unblocked, like something had physically shifted. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.”

Freya

“I never knew I could feel this different after just five hours. I arrived stressed and scattered and left feeling like a completely new person.”

Amara

“The safety of the room made all the difference. I was so nervous beforehand and by the end I felt held, calm, and honestly a bit euphoric.”

Rosa

Ready to experience it for yourself? All of our upcoming retreats are here 🤍